Our Pastor

I probably owe everyone a Colorado Christmas post, but I'm not gonna. Because, I just had to share this.

As you all know we are here to start a church. Refuge Community Church, to be exact. We plan to open the doors on Easter 2010. Things are just beginning for us, there is nothing but possibilities and God's incredible guidance in leading us in the right direction. There will be lots of things to do and plan and such. But, what I want to focus on is the pastor of Refuge.

His name is Christopher Richardson, but we just call him Chris. He was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK, home of the Sooners and I'm not sure if there is a bigger OU fan out there. Chris has two sisters, one older and one younger. His dad left him and his family when he was just a young boy, leaving his mother to raise all three kids by herself.

Chris has always had deep sense of adventure. Growing up he was known to fall into fountains, out of trees and into trouble. He certainly has the scars to prove it. He loves to overcome the dangerous, challenging and seemingly impossible. It's just how he is, probably how he will always be. He was always surrounded by church and school friends. I like to think of Chris as the ring leader in coming up with all kinds of shenanigans, whether it was streaking through the neighborhood or planning the Senior prank. Chris also has an incredible sense of humor and being very quick witted himself, always had his friends laughing. Those friends to this day love and admire Chris.

Someone else that knew Chris as a kid and has watched him grow is Glenn Underhill. When Chris was just a teenager, this guy started spending time with Chris, encouraging him and believing in him. Pretty much became the Dad, Chris missed out on. I fully believe that Glenn has helped shape Chris into man that he is now. Chris says over and over again, that he wants to be the kind of dad that Glenn is to his kids. I know that he will.

When Chris graduated from high school, he went on to Howard Payne University, in little old Brownwood, Texas. The Alma mater of Glenn Underhill, who also was the only person who helped Chris move into his dorm. He made friends instantly and those friends are still some of his closest friends to this day. Chris majored in Christian Studies, while making a quite a splash. He came up with the "Anti-Frat" and distributed t-shirts to anyone who wanted them. It didn't go over too great with administration, but the masses loved him.(Again, with the shenanigans.) He also made some waves with the girls at HPU. And swept one particular girl off her feet. Wink, Wink.

After college, he served in a couple of churches. All different and crazy in their own way. Chris married his college sweetheart and moved a couple of times. He attended Truett Theological Seminary and began to grow in his preaching, theology and ministry. He felt the strong calling to church planting and decided on Denver, Colorado for his next stop.

After much saving, preparation and praying, he and his wife loaded their cars with everything that would fit and said good-bye to Texas and all their friends. Things were tough for Chris. His wife and him were having a hard time finding jobs, loneliness was setting in and a little fear. But, God continued to stregthen Chris and he did his best to encourage his wife. He wiped away her tears, prayed for her and remained steadfast in his faith that he was here to change the world.

After plenty of job interviews, he finally accepted a position at Denver Rescue Mission. A wonderful non-profit organization that serves as a homeless shelter for men in Denver and as an alcoholic and drug rehab center for men. Chris drives a big fan all over the city and picks up donations for the mission. He also mentors and has befriended many of the men that work and live there. One in particular, named Craig. Spending about 8 hours in a van with someone and you get to know them pretty well. Chris might just know Craig's whole life story and shares it with his wife who looks forward to all of Chris's stories at the end of each day.

One day last week, Chris learned that his friend and co-worker Craig really loves video games and misses playing them. Chris, also being quite the fan of video games and owning a couple of systems and games thought he would like to do sometime nice for Craig. Yesterday, Chris gave Craig a wrapped Christmas gift with a big red bow. What was inside was Nintendo DS and with several games and a charger to go along with it. You see, Chris saved his fun money last summer for our big trip to Colorado and bought it to play with in the car. He would even play it when we weren't on road trips, but he just thought Craig needed it more. But, that's just who Chris is.

Chris works at a job that pays very little and is not glamorous at all. I have yet to hear him complain, except to say that he wishes he could do more. Help more. Everyday, he is praying for the people who are coming to Denver to be apart of our church. He is always thinking and planning on how we can help them most when they move here. He talks over and over about how he wishes we could pay for their move or lessen the financial burden that may have when they get here. He is constantly updating the Denver blog and asking for prayer requests. But, that is just who Chris is. He is the pastor of Refuge Community Church. I can not think of a better pastor than him. Chris is the most loyal person I've ever met. He deeply cares for his friends and family and so wants to ease burdens for them. Chris is the only person I would want to ever pastor Refuge, the only person I would want to lead our church. He is selfless and giving. A strong leader and someone who truly wants show people what it's like to have God's grace and love.
This is our pastor.

The Big 26!

In honor of Chris's birthday today.... Twenty-Six Reasons

26.You love me even though I forgot how old you are!
25. The funny faces you make
24. You new found love for Banana Republic
23. Your spontaneity
22. Your ridiculously good memory
21. The way you make me laugh every time.
20. Your love for "the least of these"
19. Your loyalty for everything from friends to OU football to Weezer
18. Mad basketball skills
17. Your baby blue eyes
16. Your sense of adventure
15. The way you inspire and lead those around you.
14. The delicious burgers you make.
13. Your "D" personality
12. Your love for ice cream
11. Your inner strength
10. The way my heart still melts when you smile at me.
9. Your organizational skills
8. Your laugh when something is really funny
7. Your brilliance
6. How you can read me like a book
5. Your singing voice
4. The way you love
3. How darn funny you are
2. Your creativity
1. What an incredible man of God you are.

Feel free to include your own!

Day to day events

Nothing exciting or new to post. Christmas is next week and I'm getting my apartment ready for my parent's and sister visit. I applied for a job at a nursing home today as a marketer. I've recently decided to look into what it would take to become a nursing home Administrator. One of my goals for the new year is to get going on that.

Chris is really enjoying his job. He is getting to know a lot of the guys there and getting to know Denver better, since he drives all over the city picking up donations, food and such. My job is going fine. I'm getting in the routine of working Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and having days off in the middle of the week. It's been colder than cold here and I never thought it could be that cold anywhere but in Alaska or Antarctica. But, I am learning to layer my clothes and drink as much hot beverages as I can get!

I am also eating my words on a fashion decision. I got a pair of Ugg boots last night. My Christmas gift from Chris. They come highly recommended from the girls of Denver when the weather is absolutely awful. And that is exactly what the weather has been. I gotta say they are super comfortable and I'm excited about how warm they are going to be. Chris is also getting some Ugg boots. Not like mine, but some manly and water proff ones.

My family is coming to our house for the first Christmas ever! I am feeling a little anxious about it, because my mom can be very critical and very fussy. So, I'm feeling a little a little anxious about it all. There is a lot of cooking, cleaning and self preservation to be done.

Denver really is feeling more and more like home. I think it's going to work out after all.

Richardson Update

Praise the Lord! Chris got a job! It's been a long, hard and very discouraging road, but my smart, talented and fabulous husband got a job! And one that he wanted, which is oh so important. We all want to do something that matters and help people. And this job does just that. He will be working at Denver Rescue Mission. He'll be a driver picking up donations and mentoring homeless men. He'll be great at it and he's so excited. And here's another thing. He talked to Air National Guard Reserve recruiter and he's getting everything together to be a chaplain. It's a great opportunity to minister, an excellent sign-on bonus and student loan forgiveness. Nothing will finalized until March and we're very excited and hopeful that it will work out great. So, that's the news here in the Richardson house.

So thankful

What a wonderful "first" thanksgiving. Truly a great day. Chris and I hosted our first thanksgiving without parents on Thursday at our apartment. We had a potluck, and all of our friends brought dishes that were staples in their homes. I was responsible for the turkey, stuffing, and gravy. My sister drove from Nebraska and joined us, which was also really great. We've not spent much time together and not really as close as we used to be, so it was fun spending so much time with her. It wore me out a little, but I think in a good way. So, back to the thanksgiving festivities. I love hosting a good party. I just love being a hostess period, but especially of a successful party. And this was. Food was excellent, my apartment looked cute, Chris was charming and an excellent conversationalist and I was just so happy the entire time. Which, lets face it, I really needed. And I think all of the guests had a really great time too!

So, even though this is a tiny bit belated here's what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for and I know this goes without saying, but I'm still gonna say it. My incredibly loving husband, Chris. Not only has he been so patient with my bi-polar emotions lately, but just always holding us together. Plus, he's really cute.
I'm thankful for the new friends we've made in Colorado. Especially, my sweet friend Mary. I'm not sure Chris and I would have survived this first month and a half, if it wasn't for her and her husband Chad.
I am so thankful for my faithful friends that have been praying for us and encouraging me this whole time.
I'm thankful for my family of course, they are so crazy, but I just love 'em.
I'm thankful for my job, it's not the job I always want to have, but I'm glad to have one.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to have this experience. I know that everyday God is strengthening me for my new church and all the new people that I will meet.

Culture Shock

Yeah, culture shock. I think that's my deal. I thought about it on the way to work this week. But, let me just tell you what happened that got me thinking about my culture shock.

It was Thursday morning about 7 am, I planned on going to Starbucks for a treat that morning, because, well I deserved it. I watched the news the night before and knew that there was a chance of snow, ice and rain. Well we had snow last Friday and I worked though all that fine. I thought the ice would be no problem. But, I was wrong. I walked out the door and immediately noticed there was ice on the 2 flights of stairs leading me down from my apartment. So, I say to myself, ok easy does it. You don't want to fall. And that's exactly what happened. A big fall down about 6 or 7 stairs. Heels, white coat and all. I just sat there and cried. But not for too long, because I still had to go to work and make it to the Bucks. That's when I saw my car covered in ice. That was a chore in and of itself. After crying and chisleing my car out of the ice, I had no time to go get coffee. So, I cried. And I cried some more. Yup, culture shock.

I guess it didn't occur to me before. I mean, I grew up in a big city, I've driven in traffic before. I've lived away from my family since I graduated college and I've had jobs that I haven't loved. It just hasn't been so extreme as it is now. Traffic every morning and evening. Sometimes it takes me an hour and a half to work or home when it should take me 30 minutes. The snow and ice is all very new to me. Thinking about snowboots from the house to the car from the car to my job is a super new concept to me. And living so far from our friends and family is also a new feeling. No quick weekend trips anymore.

So, I have self diagnosed myslef with culture shock. And it feels good to know that there's nothing really wrong with me. I really am just adjusting to everything new all at once.

The Truth

Yeah, here's the deal. I am really not a happy camper these days. Or really since we've been here in Denver. In fact, I've never felt more of a mix of emotions. They range between, this is a cool city and I'm glad we're here to God's work to I want to go home. Today.

And here's why.

I really, truly, deep down in my heart, felt like this was going to be an easy transition. I thought, it would be about 2 weeks, I'd find a job that I loved and Chris would too. I thought we find some friends, and we'd be on our way to getting Refuge Community Church on the road. Boy was I wrong. The reality is that I am working at a job that I hate. And I do mean hate. Chris has yet to find a job and becomes increasingly more and more discouraged every day. The other side of this is that is really is getting to me is God. Yeah, God. When we were in Waco and getting ready to move, I saw and felt God doing amazing and crazy acts of providence. He helped us sell all of our furniture, paid our credit card ( yes He really did that) and fit all of our worldly belongs into our cars. (Which still kinda amazes me. Because there was A LOT.)And that was just a few things. But now, I feel like He has abandoned us. I mean we are very much alone in all this. I mean, no really knows how we feel in all this. None of my family or friends have ever moved to another state to start a church with people that haven't even come yet.I know that people might know people that have done this sort of thing, but Chris and I don't. So, when people say, "well at least you have a job" or "I just have to remember that God's plan is different then ours." that may be true, but it's not comforting. And it doesn't make feel like I'm lucky or that all the waiting and feeling alone that I've done feel any easier. It makes me sad and just kinda mad. Not just mad for me, but for Chris too. And for anyone that might be moving here to do this and might have to go through this too. I am sad and I feel alone. I feel burdened and helpless. And I keep thinking God is going to come and rescue me, rescue us from this awfulness, but so far nothing. I am tired of crying out to the heavens and waiting to hear that comforting voice that I've heard so many times before, because all I just hear a lot of static.
I'm sorry that I've been lying to all of you and saying that Colorado is great and we love it here. Because I don't feel that way. I feel alone and abandoned. And no one can fix it.

What I've been thinkin about this week...

Like the title of my blog states, this is what I've been thinking about this week.

1. Sales People are so crazy and annoying. I say that, because I've been around them all week and I'm sick of them. Who can talk the most, answer the most questions, volunteer for the most role-play. Gag. We get it. You're an extrovert and you like to talk. That doesn't mean you're good at sales.
2. Why or why do I have a lazy eye in my Colorado drivers license?! Yep. A lazy eye. I can't even take a new picture until 2013. That's such a long time to hang on to a lazy eye.
3. Turduckin. Ever heard of it? I hadn't until this week when they were talking about it on the radio. It's a crazy mix of turkey, duck and chicken. Not sure to be grossed out or order one for thanksgiving. Your thoughts?
4. I love this time of year. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas time. I'm especially excited about the new traditions Chris and I will be creating this year.
5. I love Denver but HATE the traffic! Thirty minutes on my way to work, an hour on the way home. It's horrid.
6. I can't wait for Free Day at the Denver Zoo tomorrow. I love the zoo. And I love Free anything. So, what could be better? I will be taking pictures.
7. I love when Chris makes dinner. Enough said.
8. I wish I worked at "The Office". I'd like to hang with Stanley, Jim, Dwight, Angela, Pam and Micheal Scott. How do I get that job?
9. I made a new friend at work. Eileen. She's great. I think we could be good friends down the road. Although, she's thinking about quiting. I keep thinking, "What am I going to do without her?" But, I don't blame her.
10. I am tired. Not working for a whole month and then suddenly getting up at 6 am, has not been an easy adjustment for me.

Halloween in Denver is pretty cool...

Last night we (Chris and I) went downtown with our friends Chad and Mary. We were going to go to a haunted house, but decided against it at the last minute. Those things are pricey! It was a good time! Dinner at a Mongolian grill and then dessert at a gilato joint. As we were just kinda wandering around, Mary and I walked into a cute shoe store. When we got our, Chris and Chad informed us that we missed the biggest craziest pillow fight. Intrigued we walked to see what was going on. And they were right. Apparently, every year a huge group of people our age, dress up in costumes for Halloween and hold a huge pillow fight in the middle of an intersection downtown. And it was awesome! We must have stayed about 30 minutes or more just watching the crazyness. Here is a video of last years pillow fight.

A job is a job.

Ok, Ok. I got a job. Don 't get too excited, because I don't plan on it being to permanent. It's an "inside sales job" for an online university. I will be making 150-200 calls a day and working Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Ugh. Ten hour days and a BIG pay cut. Double Ugh. But, it's a job right? So I am happy. Or half happy. The good thing about that crazy schedule is that it allows me to take and go on interviews. Which I feel is a positive way to look at it.

The other part of this is that I am not my job. This is actually pretty hard for me to admit, because, I have always known that I wanted to be a career woman. I love to work! I love making my own money and love knowing that at the end of the day that I worked hard and made a difference. But, we moved here to make a different kind of difference. An eternal difference. Not that you can't do that in a secular job, because I firmly believe that you can. But, I can get caught up in my career woman world and forget about what is truly important. My family, my church, my God. So, while this is not my ideal job and I am fine doing it for awhile. If I have to do it a little longer than just a few months, I can live with that.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

I've been feeling really sad and really discouraged about this job thing. I really didn't think it would take this long to find a job or I would at least be a little further along in the process. I've also been having a little "culture shock". When I watch the news and the weather comes on, I automatically look at Texas, not Colorado. I also think about a friend and I say to myself "hmm maybe I can visit them soon" but then I remember. I live like 14 hours away from all my friends and family.
Because I am a person of habit and love routine, not having a routine or schedule is pretty much killing me. I miss my old life in Waco. My job that I loved and that I was good at. I loved getting together with our friends the Johnsons and feeling like I could always be myself and they would still love us. I miss our crazy and yet wonderful church in Crawford. I miss knowing how to get places and the best places to shop.
So anyway... I was writing a card to my friend who is having a hard time right now. I was wanting to encourage her and let her know that I care about her and am praying for her. I wanted to look up some scripture that might encourage her. She is such a faithful girl and truly an example in her faith to me. I looked up Lamentations 3 and read about God's Faithfulness. And I sat there and sat there and sat there. Then I smiled and gave a little wink towards heaven. God had a little something in mind for me in that scripture too. A little teachable moment. I needed it too. I have been singing the hymn in my head every time I feel down or start to get discouraged. It really does help get my heart in the habit of remembering how faithful God really is.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Bummed

Bummed, down in the dumps, feeling blue, however you want to say it. I feel it. I am sitting here in my sweats watching Opera, when really I would like to be finishing a day of work. I haven't gotten a call back for my interview for this week. I told myself that I would wait until Friday to call, if I hadn't heard anything before then. So, that's on my agenda tomorrow. And that's about it.
Chris is feeling it to. He got a response back from one of the jobs he applied to and was turned down. We were both in pretty bad moods yesterday. I am still in a bad mood today. I have spent the day crying, moping, complaining, praying, and then moping some more.
The good thing is that we are fine in the money department, I'd like to for us to have some jobs so we can add to it!
My disposition could change tomorrow, (I hope it does), but for now I am down in the dumps.

quick update...

Interview went great! (Thanks for all the happy thoughts and prayers.) I was asked to come back to another interview next week and then if that goes well, two more. I know right? Does it ever end?! But I feel relieved that I have gotten this far and I know that it will all be worth it, if they offer me the job.

Putting my best face forward...

I just finished my COPD presentation for my job interview tomorrow. Don't worry if you don't know what COPD is, because no one should really know what it is.(Unless you actually have it or in the hospice business like me.) Ok, not the point. The important thing is that I have an interview. It is with Heartland Home Health and Hospice for the Director of Admissions. I didn't actually apply for this job, a recruiter found my resume and career builder and called me last week. I had a long phone interview yesterday and then we set up a face to face for tomorrow. I was asked to bring my presentation for the interview.
The job, should I get it, would actually be a promotion over my last job. My last job was purely outside sales. This is more inside sales and a supervisor role. I would actually have people working underneath me and would be responsible for hiring employees to work under me. Which, I'm not gonna lie, would be AWESOME! I like that the position would have a sales component, but my whole job is not dependant on it. Cuase sales is hard! I like that I might have an office or at least a cubicle to call my own and a more stable schedule.
I spent most of the day putting together my presentation and I am tired. Tonight, I need to make copies of my resume and presentation and of course practice. I will also be rewarding myself with a new shirt for Banana Republic for the intervew. And maybe some jewlery.
Wish me luck and say a prayer. I know that I could use them.

Mountain Fun.

What do you do when you don't have jobs and you live in Colorado? Well... go to the mountains of course! Today, we got up (late for me), got dressed and took highway 6 west to the mountains. We ate lunch in Golden and just drove. Ohhing and Ahhing at the leaves changing and even seeing a tiny bit of snow up high. Finally we pulled over and walked down to the river. It was pretty awesome to be in driving distance of such a beautiful place. Here's what we saw.

I'm Here!

After THE longest 14 hours of my life, I made it to Lakewood, CO. My adorable husband greeted me with a warm hug and a kiss. And boy did I need it. After lugging all of our stuff up 3, count them, 3 flights of stairs we are officially moved in. There is still a lot to do. Things to buy, hang up and put away. But I love here. I really do. The altitude is a killer, but a small price to pay when your view is the mountains. This week, I am trying to "take a vacation" as I only took 4 days of paid time off last year. So, we'll see how I do with that. I have no pictures to post as of yet, but I promise to get on that ASAP! Thanks for all the prayers!

We are on our way!

As we speak, Chris is packing up the car for his trip tomorrow. Chris leaves at 5 am tomorrow morning. And I am sad to say the laptop is going with him. So this is my last post in Waco, Texas. Aww sad huh? Next time I sign on, I will be living in my new apartment in Lakewood, Colorado. I will be sure to post pictures of our apartment and other fun pictures with us and the rocky mountains the background.
Please pray that we have a safe journey and for our new adventure. I will update you soon!

Love.

Not a lot to post on people. Here are my thoughts for today.

Most of our worldly belongings are gone or packed.
All we have to eat are sandwiches. Ham or Turkey anyone?
Tired of people asking "So do you guys have jobs or anything to pay the rent with?"
We are going to see some of the most fabulous people this weekend in Houston.
I have the world's best husband. No kidding. He loves me like no other.
I'm want like 4 new pairs of shoes right now. Boots, 2 flats and heals.
Weather in Denver, is low 80s and high 70s. Sigh... perfection.
I am really pretty checked out from my job. I need to be better.
Feeling cautiously excited about some job prospects.
I think I'm ready for a new adventure, but sometimes I just cry.
Enough wasting time, need to get busy!

OOOOOOOO U!

Last Saturday, I went to my first ever OU football game. Chris and I had a great time. Here is my evidence of my first Boomer Sooner.

Just an update

Gosh, life is flying by so fast. It's practically September and then just five weeks until the big move. This week has been good though. We sold our couch, love-seat and coffee table. We also sold our TV and TV stand. Kinda crazy, but we're dealing. I think someone might be coming tomorrow to buy your table and four chairs. That just leaves our bedroom furniture and then garage sale stuff.
I'm feeling a strange mixture of excitement and pure sadness. Even now, I am tearing up as I type this. I told Chris that I've named our next month "Chris and Robin Good-bye tour". My week will consist of packing and cleaning and my weekends of getting around to see everyone I love.
We have a great lead on a condo that we'll rent till we buy a house next year and I've got a few job possibilities. If you think about it, could you lift a prayer up for me in both of those departments?
I told Chris that I'm going to try my hardest to stop worrying so much and just ask God to intervene when He see fits. So maybe you could pray that for me too.
Well, that's about it. Nothing very funny, inspirational or cool. Just an update.

WEST ELM

Do it. Go here. You will love. I promise. Well at least I love it. I found it through another blog and I am obsessed. Especially with these. (See below) Turns out they have a store in Denver. Lucky me!

From the beginning

A sweet friend told me the other day on facebook that she was catching up on my blogs and wanted some more details on our big move to Denver. Which got me to thinking.... I bet a lot of people don't really know why or how we decided to do this thing. So, this is it. From the beginning.

From the time I met Chris I knew he wanted to be a pastor. I also knew that his dream was to start a church. Which he was and did. He was the co-pastor at Nexus Community Church in Brownwood, Texas. But, throughout that time, I knew he wanted to move out of the hated Bible Belt and spread the love. I just never knew the when and where.

So, last year I was a college admissions counselor at the alma mater, and was recruiting in Austin. A co-worker and I decided to hit the outlet malls in Roundrock for a brief break from the madness. I remember this like it was yesterday. It was fallish and getting cold. We were in Banana Republic and Chris called me. He said and I quote, "I think we should move to Denver, Colorado and start a church. And I think we should go after I graduate from Truett Seminary." And I said " Ok".

We started to tell friends who might be interested in this kinda of crazy adventure and got people to think about starting a church. A church that would have services at night, not in the morning. A church that would reach out to the "least of these". The poor, the needy, the left behind and neglected. A church, that would appeal to this generation with small groups that are relevant and organic. A church that would feel like going home.

So, we took our experiences from Nexus and we moved to Waco and Chris went to school full time so he could finish his masters. (which he has!)

We are moving to Denver, October 3rd. In something like 50 days.

Chris and I are the first to go up there. Others that feel called to go in with us are moving next summer. The goal is to start meeting people and find Christians or non Christians who are interested in being apart of something bigger than them. And we will be praying for a building. We'll be praying for a lot of things actually.

I know this also sounds completely crazy. Moving to a state where we don't have any family, friends, maybe even jobs. But, as Chris says, that's how you know it's from God. Plus, I would never do anything crazy if it weren't for Chris. Probably why God put us together.

And that's it. The nitty gritty details. Stay tuned as the story will continue to unfold.

The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag three others.
1. Where is your cell phone? table
2. Your significant other? adorable
3. Your hair? boring
4. Your mother? crazy
5. Your father? hard-worker
6. Your favorite thing? shoes
7. Your dream last night? confusing
8 Your favorite drink? tea
9. Your dream/goal?
10. The room you’re in? messy
11. Your hobby? reading
12. Your fear? loneliness
13. What do you want to be in 6 years? mother
14. What you’re not? athletic
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. One of your wish list items? Europe
17. Where you grew up? 'antonio
18. The last thing you did? shower
19. What are you wearing? shorts
20. Favorite gadget? grinder
21. Your pets? non-existent
22. Your computer? laptop
23. Your mood? happy
24. Missing someone?always
25. Your car? silver
26. Something you’re not wearing? earrings
27. Favorite store? BCBG
28. Like someone? always
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Sunday


I tag Rachael, Misty and Chris!

Everything Must GO!

That's right folks. It's gotta go.

A couple of months ago, my mom asked me that we Chris and I moved if we were going to sell everything and buy all new stuff. I gave her my best "are you crazy?!" look and said simply said no.

Well as of last Thursday night... we are selling all of our stuff. I guess you are probably giving me your best "are you crazy?!" look, and maybe you should, but we're doing it.

The thing is... is going to be about 1500 dollars just to move our stuff. And while we saved for this move, and have more than enough to cover it, we just want to start over. I mean... wouldn't you? Get a fresh start with everything!

One of Chris's professors says "Pack light for the journey ahead." We love this. So, we are. Anything that fits into our cars is going. So in the meantime, like the title says, everything must go.

So, if anyone out there is interested in micro-suede couch and love seat, TVs, TV stands, a washer and dryer and possibly some bedroom furniture... let me know. The rest of everything will go into the garage sale we're having at the end of the month or on craig's list.

We are packing light for the journey ahead, so every thing has gotta go.

Whatcha think?

You like?
I saw this hair cut on The Next Food Network Star. I love it. You think I can pull it off?

It's not personal, it's business.

"Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal." Kathleen Kelly
"You've Got Mail"

The past two weeks, I have been weighing and re-weighing my options about my job and career and everything that I know about the business world.

To better explain... my company Odyssey HealthCare bought out VistaCare a smaller hospice, which made us the biggest in the nation. Like all smart businesses do, they begin to look at all of the sites that were doubled up in each market. For instance there is a Vista Care in Waco and an Odyssey. We are both smaller in census, so of course the simple answer is to merge.Save on over head, staff, etc. Well, initially my boss told me that VistaCare would absorb Odyssey (my company) she said wanted me to stay with Odyssey and that she would move me up to the Temple office, give me some of the best accounts and life would be great. Most of the other staff would have to go to VistaCare. They didn't really have a choice. It was either that or find another job. So, I thought I was sitting pretty, and had nothing to worry about. Until last week, when my boss asked to see me before our weekly Sales Training Meeting and dropped the bomb. She said she simply did not have the budget to accommodate 3 marketers and I had the choice to either go to VistaCare and be their Marketing Rep or take another position in the Temple office, which would be a 6 thousand dollar pay cut and about a hour commute one way. After, interviewing both positions, and even considering moving to Colorado a month early, I have decided to take the VistaCare position. It sounds simple and a "no brainer". I mean same salary and no commute, but I'm just not happy. I will be starting all over again. The thing is I love my boss (her name is Robin too), and the staff I work with. I love the Odyssey Company. I also just really hate change. Next Monday will be my first day at VistaCare and I know that I should be excited, but instead I have a knot in my stomach. I guess that's why business is not supposed to be personal.

Denver

The whole story

Ok, I'm really temped to just link to the my Denver blog and let you read Chris's overview from the trip, but I won't. So, I will give you the abridged version of our trip.
Day 1...Friday morning Chris and I woke up at 5:15 AM and got ready to leave for Dallas at 6! I know. So early to start such a fun trip right? We did have to stop like 2 times just down our street to make sure we remembered everything and we did, so we started the first mini-leg to our journey. After swinging by Dallas to pick up our two other traveling companions, (Tanner and Bethany), and a quick stop at McDonald's for some breakfast we were officially on our way. After what felt like an eternity we made it Colorado and to Aurora where we would be staying. There was a mix up at the hotel, in that our 2 rooms only had one bed and it was a double. Yeah, not great. With Chris on the phone yelling at Hotwire and the rest of us in search of a equally cheap hotel we settled on Motel6. Not too bad, clean, quiet and cheap. All good qualities when it's like one in the morning and you've been driving for like 14 or 15 hours. We settled there for the night.
Day 2... Saturday morning we got up and got ready for our first look at Denver. And it's pretty freakin great too. I mean, fantastic. It's everything that you could want in a city. Driving down the highway you have mountains in the distance and then every possible city luxury or amenity you could want. It was love at first sight. I think we all felt that way. I know I did. So, we walked around town and ate lunch and just breathed it all in. After lunch we drove to Golden, home of the Coors Beer Plant. Chris said since we are going to be a church plant we should visit the Coors plant. Well, I thought it was funny! So, we took a little tour of the plant and just enjoyed ourselves and the free samples. Later we had dinner at Chipotle. You might be wondering why Chipotle, since most city has one, but the resturaunt was actualy started in Denver! So we had to celebrate the genius that is the delicious Chipotle borrito.
Day3... After breakfasting at a near by bagel shop we drove to The Red Rocks. Beautiful and one of the top things to do in Denver. It turns out there is an amphitheater where they have outdoor concerts all summer long and a sunrise service on Easter. We walked around and took pictures of everything we headed back to Denver for the Mile long mall. Anyone that visits me will be going there. You won't regret it, I promise! Then off to Boulder. A great town just 25 miles or so outside of Denver. I think Chris and I will be going there a lot after we move there. There are a lot of people our age there. Which is great since we want to reach people our age for our church. We were pretty wiped out after that so we headed back to the Motel 6 and rested before dinner. After trying out another cool Denver chain we got ready to leave and packed and went to bed early.
Day 4... mostly consisted of a lot of driving and a lot of napping for me. Chris and I got back to Waco around 9:30 tired but so happy and excited.

That in a nutshell is our trip to Denver. Seriously, anyone is welcome to come visit us once we move and get settled. We'd love to show you around. We just can't wait to move now. But we have settled on October for the big move.

We're Back!

Just a little taste until I can post more details and pictures.

Roadtrip!

That's right. In just 3 and 1/2 days we will be on the road to Denver, Colorado! Not only am I glad for some time away from work and Texas for that matter, but we are going to be visiting our new hometown!I realize now that I have pretty much prepared myself in most ways for the trip. I bought some new clothes, I'm gonna get some new flip flops, we bought magazines and books the other night. Chris bought himself a Nintendo DS with his fun money and of course we've got the always wonderful IPod. The only thing that I've neglected to do is to pray for our trip. How completely foolish of me (and also typical of me) to get caught up in petty and worldly things and forget to commit this trip to the One who is calling us to go. My heavenly Father. I ask you, my friends. to pray for us as well. There are four of us going. Chris and me, Tanner and Bethany. All of us feel a strong calling to move to Denver and start a church there. So, I ask that you would pray for...
1. safety as we drive about 962 miles and about 14 hours to our destination
2. for perhaps some divine appointments along the way or while we are there
3. brave hearts and strong spirits
4. relationship building during our time together
5. for God to be our center.

Chiggers

Our church recently put in a sand volleyball court on the side of our church. As you can imagine, this provides hours and hours of entertainment not just for our youth, but for our entire church. I, not exactly being the athletic type, am not always super excited about getting out there and serving up some points, but I try. Last night after our night church service most everyone got out there and we played a few games. I have to admit, it was pretty fun. And then I woke up this morning... and I am covered and I mean covered in chigger bites. They are everywhere! Ankles, knees, behind the knees, back... EVERYWHERE. I am miserable. And so so itchy. I bought some Aveno anti-itch cream earlier today, but no relief. Finally, upon my mother 's recommendation and after much scratching, I drove to CVS and headed straight to the pharmacist. All I could say was " I have chigger bites everywhere and I am dying." And he said just one sweet word. "Chiggerx". I ran down the aisle and picked up two containers seeing my salvation in both. Paid and jumped into the car and opened that sucker up and started rubbing it anywhere and everywhere. Outcome? Still itchy. Only time will tell.

Update

Short update on life.

We bought a new car. A mazda3 to be more specific. I feel very grown up now that I have been through the process of buying a new car.

My job is taking over my life. Which is a good thing, I like being successful, but don't like feeling like I've been run through the ringer at the end of every day.

Chris Richardson is one heck of a husband. The past two weeks, he's been washing and drying dishes, clothes and cars. He's also been making lots of delicious food!

I am learning to play the guitar. While my fingers are tender and sore, I love learning something new. I just hope that I will be decent by the time our Youth Service rolls around.

I might be losing my mind. I lost my cell phone in the bathroom at the Chick-Fil-A in the Waco mall and I can't seem to remember anything. I think I just have too much on my mind. That ever happen to you?

Case of the Blahs...

Well I ended up getting new shoes for my prize. The ones in that very picture. Except in black. I ordered them on Saturday and hopefully sometime this week they will be here waiting for me. I'm totally in love with them. In the mean time if someone could help me find a pair of white dress pants that don't cost a fortune that would be great. Because, Waco is in short supply. Although, I haven't looked at "The Shops" downtown yet.

In other news, I have NOTHING to post about. I am so blah these days. I need a vacation I think. Maybe that would liven me up. The job is good, but it's a lot of work and not always a lot of result. I visit 50 different facilities, clinics,and physicians a week and I am lucky to get one referral out of it. And that's lucky. So, I'm feeling a little discouraged with that. My family is crazy right now. Which always has me worrying or feeling like I should be helping in some way. But I've just got to let that be. It seems like everyone is having or just had a baby recently. I want to have a baby too, but it's just so not the time to be procreating right now. I've also been sick, so that may have something to do with my "blue" mood. And I guess that about wraps it up.

Give the girl a prize!

I am beginning my fourth week of working out four days a week. Pretty much a record for me! I haven't been a consistent "worker-outer" since I was in high school on the dance team. And that was only because I HAD to if I wanted to dance at football games or in competition. So, anyway my adorable and very sweet husband said that I should get a prize. How great is that? I loose some flab and get a prize. My question to you is what should it be?

Should it be...
A. A rockin pair of new heels
B. New workout gear
C. Jewelry
D. Something for my house

A Perfect Saturday

Yesterday, was THE most perfect Saturday that I've had in a very long time. I don't know about you, but February has just been super busy and oh so tiresome. My plan at the beginning of the week was to go to San Antonio this weekend and see my mom. After considering my husband's advice I decided to postpone my trip to next week-end so that I could rest and relax.

This is how my day went yesterday.
Got up at 10 o'clock. Made coffee and made eggs over easy with some toast.
11:45 went to the salon to get my hair highlighted and washed. Love it!
Got home when hubby suggested we go to Baskin Robbins for some ice-cream. Brilliant!
Enjoyed some ice cream and did some light housework.
Headed to the mall to exchange 2 polos for Chris and bought BCBG shirt for 50 percent off for myself!
Later, baked homemade banana bread from scratch, as well as apple crumb pie and green bean bundles for church's love feast. All three were delicious and very much a success.
After dinner, Desiree and Grant came over for some good friend time.

See what I mean. It was a perfect Saturday. Relaxing, somewhat productive and not to mention a beautiful day.

Pregnancy Woes

Yes you read the title correctly and no I am not pregnant. But, I did get asked yesterday when my due date was. Yes, you also read that correctly. I was standing at the Lancome counter yesterday afternoon, looking to spend a little of my fun money. I mean, there I was looking at lip gloss,when the make-up girl turns to me and asks "When are you due?". Well, my face got very hot and I told her that I wasn't with child, just (apparently) a little chunky. Then she starts to apologize profusely which leaves me in the awkward position of havening to reassure her that "it's fine", "it could happen to anyone" " it's no big deal". But what I'm really thinking is, I will NEVER wear this shirt again and I need to hit the gym a lot harder tomorrow. So, I just paid for my make-up and tried not to jab whatever makeup brush was closest to me, in my heart. I'm being dramatic, but unless this has never happened to you then you won't really understand the pain. I do, however, hope one of two things though. That, one, this never happens to you, and two, you never ask a woman who is not pregnant if she is.

I talked to my very angry and hurt older sister yesterday evening. I knew that she and my mom hadn't spoken in about a month now, and I hadn't talked to her in probably longer than a month. So I was a bit shocked to see her calling, to say the least. I debated whether I should answer the phone, not wanting to be disloyal to my mom, but I went ahead and took the call. I was really not prepared for what she told me. This whole time, I thought my sister, Holly, was the one at fault with the way things were going with the two of them. But it turns out, my mom is not so innocent herself. According to my sister, she has been pretty unloving towards her. Now, I'm not about to sit here and pretend my mom is a perfect mother. She was pretty terrible to me after I got engaged and not much better on my wedding day, but that's all water under the bridge now. I guess I'm still a little shocked that she has been behaving this way towards my sister. And all this time, I have been siding with her! The thing about is, I'm not sure who to believe. They are both exaggerators to the extreme and very, very emotional and sensitive. But I am just hating this. I hate when there is any kind of fighting going on. I hate it. And I don't know what to do. I guess the obvious answer is nothing, but I'm just not that kind of girl. I want to fix things and counsel people and make things better. I just don't think I am going to be able to any of those things this time. All I can do is pray. Pray that they would both come to their senses and both realize how much they stand to loose by behaving this way. But for now, I feel pretty awful about it. And there is no way around that.

Two Big Ones

Today, two years ago I married my true love. It really feels like yesterday that the big day was approaching and I was about to become Mrs. Chris Richardson. It was a crazy day to say the least. My family was a mess and I was really just wanting the whole day to hurry and start so it could all be over. Now all of that seems so trivial, because I know understand how little a wedding actually has to do with a marriage. Sure it's great and all, but it's not everything. Just a jumping off point really. I am surprised how much my love for Chris grows with every passing day. I couldn't be happier with where we are in life and can't wait for what's ahead. I love you Chris Gene Richardson. You are my best friend and my favorite person in the world. Happy Anniversary!

A Wiener Dog

I haven't posted in a while because frankly, I haven't really had anything interesting to talk about. But, I do have a funny story, and please know as you read this I am a much funnier story teller than I am writer. So please take this in consideration and imagine me telling the story to you in person.

Recently, Chris and I have found a church to not only belong to but to serve in. We are now youth ministers. Well not quite, but hopefully if the church votes on it we will be. Anyhow, Sunday we met two new kids. Clay and Tyler. 11 and 13. Both very nerdy, very into video games and that morning... very sleepy. They both just trudge in and pretty much fall into their chairs and go to asleep. They might have grunted their names to us, but I doubt it. So, the group is talking about "Persecution." Not sure why, but that's not really the point. Well somehow Tyler, the oldest of the two, woke up long enough to inform us that "Clay almost died when he was a little kid." Not only am I shocked to notice Tyler came out of his coma, but I'm thinking "Where did that come from?" So of course we all say things like "oh, wow!" "What happened" "Man, that's crazy". Tyler goes on to say "Yeah, his face was almost bitten off by a dog." Which of course is followed up with the question "What kind of dog was it?" That's when Clay, who has been asleep this entire time, lifts his head up long enough to say " A wiener dog". Then drops his head and falls back asleep, leaving us to look at each other awkwardly and change the subject. I am dying, DYING inside. I just want to bust out laughing. Really.... a wiener dog? That's your near death experience?! Even now I can't help but giggle.

Looking Forward...literally

I am looking forward to celebrating two years with my husband.
I am looking forward to Chris graduating from Truett Seminary with a Masters in Divinity.
I am looking forward to becoming more experienced at my job as a marketer.
I am looking forward to moving to Denver, Colorado and beginning a new chapter in our lives.
I am looking forward to buying a home or condo or townhouse or something where we can stop paying rent and start making financial sense and cents. (sorry. couldn't resist)
I am looking forward to getting some puppies. Little Leo and Ezra are just going to be so fun.
I am looking forward to making new friends, new memories and new goals for this year.

What are you looking forward to?