Red Flags

I am NOT an expert on dating and relationships or better yet, how to make them work. I may have snagged my "Mr. Right" and so far things have been great, but I'm sure I just stumbled into that one! I also know that I used to be guilty of ignoring some tell tale signs that who I am dating is not right for me- or anyone else for that matter.

Thinking back to my dating experiences, I sometimes wish I had been a little bit stronger, stood up for myself more, and didn't put up with bad boy behavior. Especially knowing now what I didn't know back then- but hindsight is 20-20.

It's much easier to say that now. Now that I have found the person I'll share my life with, we are making a life together, and we are enjoying all that God gives us right now. I'm much more confident in myself now and know who I truly am. I would never put up with the amount of crap I did when I was younger.

So it bothers me when people ignore how their loved one is treating them. Controlling them. Manipulating them. Deceiving them. Disrespecting them. It especially hurts me when I love these people who are turning the blind eye. Who have so much going for them. Who are so wonderful they should be able to find the greatest guy ever. I, of course, want to take care of them and not let them get hurt. Sometimes I want to say, "Wake up!! Don't you see what he is doing?? Doesn't it make you mad? Do you think you deserve this? Do you think it will change when you get married because it WON'T!" But at the same time I don't want to push them away and have them dislike me because I don't like their significant other.

I also think so many times young women start to freak out after college and they aren't heading down the aisle. They all expected to be married by 25 and having kids by 27. They'll ignore almost anything just so they can stick to their schedule. They're so afraid to be alone that they allow someone else to treat them horribly.

Everyone has a plan of how they'd like their life to go. But just because we have a plan, doesn't make it His plan. God has a plan for everyone. But I also think God sends red flags, we just need to be a little more honest with ourselves about reading them.

Weekend in recap

I've been in a whirlwind since this past weekend. I've had lots going on and have been back and forth from town to town. Let me just start at the beginning.

Thursday- I left school at 3 and drove up (in the horrible rain) to Greenville to meet my mother-in-law and sister-in-law for dinner before Wicked. We went to Larkin's on the River, which was so yummy, and had Chilean Sea Bass and some good red wine. We had front row seats. We were so close I could spit on the actors. Before the lights went down I snapped a pic of the orchestra. I had NO IDEA how much I would ADORE Wicked. It was honestly one of the best plays I've ever seen. It was absolutely hilarious and I loved how it was a prequel to the Wizard of Oz. I've been singing some of the songs all week from it- Popular is my FAVORITE! I've got to get the soundtrack before I drive myself crazy.

Friday- I had breakfast with one of my favorite friends, Becca. We cheered together at Clemson and had such a great time venturing through life at that time together. We had lots of great memories and I love to get together with her and chat. Just this year, she began working nights at a hospital as a PA so we don't get to talk too often. It was so nice to spend some time with her!

After that, I got fitted for my SIL's bridesmaid dress. I didn't think I'd look good in it, but was pleasantly surprised. It is slightly mermaid and I figured that would NOT fit my body type.

Then I drove to Fountain Inn to have Brooke teach me the basics of sewing, see her new house- it's beautiful, and love on her dog, Gracie!!! We spent about 2 hours together. She taught me some much needed information to help me not look like an idiot the next day at my sewing class. Thanks Brooker!! I appreciate it! :-) It never matters how long we don't talk or see each other, whenever we get together I feel like we don't miss a beat.

From Brooke's house, I drove to Lexington to have dinner with a few girls I taught with at Pleasant Hill. Lauren, Debra Dele, Sara and I went to Wild Wings and enjoyed a girl's night out. I really enjoy being around these ladies!! It's always nonstop laughter and girl talk. AHHHHHHH how I miss getting to do this daily!! :-)

Saturday- Lauren and I got up early and had breakfast at Panera. I then drove to Mary Catherine's family's lake house for a sewing workshop Get Your Stitch On! MC was a very thoughtful and prepared teacher. I couldn't believe it was her first workshop ever! I had such a great time spending time with old and new friends. And I made some cute things!! I was majorly impressed with the other girl's clothes, as well! There are definitely going to be some adorable kids clothes from all that sewing. I think most the girls already had children...so I'm sewing these clothes for shower presents. :-)

This is my first project...not too bad, I suppose.

I got home Saturday to a grumpy husband- he had a moot court competition all weekend at school and hadn't eaten. Later that night, Connery, our cat, snuck outside and got in a fight. :-( He got a cut around his eye and hurt his right front shoulder. He hasn't been acting the same since. He sleeps ALL the time, limps around and has hardly eaten anything. So we've decided to take him to the vet tomorrow. He had to get a bath that night and will have a car ride tomorrow- his two least favorite things ever. Maybe this will teach him to STAY ON THE SCREENED IN PORCH!

Poor, pitiful thing.

Sunday night we had people over for the Super Bowl. Connery didn't come out to say hi, but that didn't stop the party! We had BBQ, Ribs and some HUGE oysters- yummy! The commercials weren't so great, but the game was. GO SAINTS!

What a great, long weekend for me. I enjoyed getting together with people I don't get to see too often anymore. Austin and I have another long weekend coming up. Keep us in your prayers as we travel and Austin goes to a few interviews! Have a fabulous week!