Today we had more training for my new job. Now as weird as this may sound, our instructor today (who was a man) actually made me think of Susan. No, he was not feminine, and no she is definitely not masculine, they simply had the same sense of humor. It was great! He kept phrasing things and making jokes the same way Susan does. Thus, today's topic: Susan Brown.
Do you know Susan? If you do not, you are SERIOUSLY missing out. No joke. This woman is a lifesaver. She is a renaissance woman. There is nothing she does not know how to do! She is an administrator, a spiritual leader, a mom, a wife, a friend, a wedding guru, a fast driver, a mission leader, etc. She can do EVERYTHING. In the past if I have had a theological question I have gone to her. If I have a life predicament I go to her. If I need advice on overcoming stage fright-Susan. If I need a job connection-Susan. You name it, she knows it, or knows somebody who does! I love that!!
I pretty much have two people who are responsible for my wedding: my mom and Susan Brown. Susan was my wedding coordinator. She was amazing. She helped me think of things to prepare for, organize all the decorations, food, staff, musicians, guests, attendants, and a million other things. She was there months before helping me scope out the building. She fought for me when I was afraid of stepping on people's toes. Heck, she put the staff at the ballroom in line! I thank the Good Lord for her nearly every day, because if it was not for her, my wedding would not have run nearly as smoothly, nor would I have enjoyed it so much. She kept me calm all while ensuring that I got exactly what I wanted. I never had to settle. At the rehearsal and the actual wedding she kept everything running and I am so thankful for that. She got things DONE. Love her.
Susan is one of the kindest people I know. She has been there for me, my mom, my brother, my extended family and so many others right when we needed her most. She helped my mom figure out life after a devastating tragedy struck my family. She helped my cousin and her family prepare for a heartbreaking death and funeral. She transported me to and from the ATL airport countless times. I don't understand how she has the strength to be strong for so many all the time. It is a pure gift from God.
Susan,
Thank you for all you are to so many people. You have been an angel in my life. You have been so supportive and kind to my family. You have helped us in the midst of a crisis so many times. Thank you for being such a good friend to my mom. Thank you for being a friend to me. Thank you for your wise advice that you have given me over the years. You have blessed me so much. Mostly, thank you for being my wedding guru. I could not have had the wedding I had without you. There is nothing I can do or say that will ever feel like enough of a thank you. You made my wedding day so incredibly special for me. All I can do is say thank you. You have so many wonderful skills and such a heart for the Lord. I look up to you in countless ways! Hope to see you over Christmas!
Love,
Mary Beth
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Day 33: Sarah Newland
Sarah Newland, Say-ruh, as I like to call her is a dear friend of mine from high school. She called me today, but I was unable to talk with her because I have been sick and today my voice is almost completely gone. Yuck. No fun. And I really wanted to talk to her! We did text though tonight for a little bit and caught up on life to some degree.
I only have a handful of friends that I have stayed in contact with after high school (all who will be on the blog eventually) and Sarah is one of them. She and I are very similar. We are both extremely close to our families. We both got really homesick in college. We both tend to be emotional saps and cry at stupid things and at sad things, but that just means we have hearts, yes? Sarah and I also have a similar sense of humor: bizarre. We like sarcasm, stupidity, and love to laugh until it hurts. We have laughed until it hurt MANY times. Hopefully, many more!
Sarah and I were both psychology majors in college. She is now studying for her Master's degree in Kentucky (I am jealous that you are in grad. school!) and I am working in Illinois. We are actually only about 3 hours away, so we are wanting to plan a trip to either meet half way or do a weekend trip to see each other. We need to get on that!
There are so many fun memories I have with Sarah. Sleepovers, driving with each other for the first time, birthday parties, Christmas parties, classes, plays, dancing/talking really ghetto, or at least attempting to, and so many more.
I miss seeing Sarah often. I miss having someone to talk to and see everyday! I miss even being able to see each other over school breaks since her family is all in Kentucky now and mine is still in Georgia. A reunion is definitely due!
Sarah is one of the strongest women I know. She has been through a lot in life and has fought for happiness. She never gave up on life, no matter how much she may have wanted to. She is an inspiration. She is a great role-model for other women. I can't wait to see how she uses her testimony and life lessons to help others. She will make an amazing impact in the world.
Sarah,
I miss you so much! I love all of our memories from high school. I am so thankful that even though we did not see each other often in college we remained friends! I am so glad to have you in my life! You are so sweet and fun to be with. Your heart is so big and you love the Lord. You are a great friend and an amazing listener. I love talking to you!! I can't wait until we can get together again and goof off! I am so proud of all that you have accomplished! You are a fighter! You are fierce, yet feminine and delicate. You are beautiful! I am so proud to call you my friend. Your friendship means so much to me! I miss you and love you! Hope to see you VERY soon!
Love,
Mary B.
I only have a handful of friends that I have stayed in contact with after high school (all who will be on the blog eventually) and Sarah is one of them. She and I are very similar. We are both extremely close to our families. We both got really homesick in college. We both tend to be emotional saps and cry at stupid things and at sad things, but that just means we have hearts, yes? Sarah and I also have a similar sense of humor: bizarre. We like sarcasm, stupidity, and love to laugh until it hurts. We have laughed until it hurt MANY times. Hopefully, many more!
Sarah and I were both psychology majors in college. She is now studying for her Master's degree in Kentucky (I am jealous that you are in grad. school!) and I am working in Illinois. We are actually only about 3 hours away, so we are wanting to plan a trip to either meet half way or do a weekend trip to see each other. We need to get on that!
There are so many fun memories I have with Sarah. Sleepovers, driving with each other for the first time, birthday parties, Christmas parties, classes, plays, dancing/talking really ghetto, or at least attempting to, and so many more.
I miss seeing Sarah often. I miss having someone to talk to and see everyday! I miss even being able to see each other over school breaks since her family is all in Kentucky now and mine is still in Georgia. A reunion is definitely due!
Sarah is one of the strongest women I know. She has been through a lot in life and has fought for happiness. She never gave up on life, no matter how much she may have wanted to. She is an inspiration. She is a great role-model for other women. I can't wait to see how she uses her testimony and life lessons to help others. She will make an amazing impact in the world.
Sarah,
I miss you so much! I love all of our memories from high school. I am so thankful that even though we did not see each other often in college we remained friends! I am so glad to have you in my life! You are so sweet and fun to be with. Your heart is so big and you love the Lord. You are a great friend and an amazing listener. I love talking to you!! I can't wait until we can get together again and goof off! I am so proud of all that you have accomplished! You are a fighter! You are fierce, yet feminine and delicate. You are beautiful! I am so proud to call you my friend. Your friendship means so much to me! I miss you and love you! Hope to see you VERY soon!
Love,
Mary B.
This is a pic of us from one of our annual Christmas parties!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Day 32: Dr. Zombory
Well as many of you know, I started training for my new job today. I am working with NeuroRestorative (the #1 Brain Injury Rehab facility in the nation) as a Life Skills Trainer. I am very excited about this opportunity and can't wait to actually use the education that I got in college! Today though we spent a lot of time learning about the brain, which was all a review to me thanks to one class: Cognitive Psychology.
The name Dr. Zombory brought fear to my mind before I had any of his classes. It is well known at PBA that he has a reputation for being one of the hardest professors and it is very difficult to get an A in his class. He is also intimidating. I was scared of him pretty much my entire time in Cognitive Psych. This was my first class with him. I sat in the front row and held onto every word. I studied really hard. I actually learned a lot. Seriously! I even grew to really respect and appreciate him as a teacher. After that I took as many classes with him as I could. I knew if I took a class with him I would have to work really hard, and therefore learn a lot!
I am so glad I did! ALL day today I kept thinking of him and all that I had learned from him. What was a bunch of confusing new information to a lot of my peers at work was an easy review for me. I was able to easily understand why clients act a certain way and why specific treatment methods work better than others. I am so excited about starting this new job. I am so thankful for all that I learned from Dr. Z. He is truly responsible for making my job easier!
Thank you Dr. Z. for making me work really hard in college! Thank you for preparing me for a job in psychology! Thank you for not letting your students take the easy way out or even simply memorize answers for a test! I had to actually learn the information to pass your classes and that information has now given me an advantage at my job. I miss having you as a professor! Thanks again for everything you challenged me to do.
Sincerely,
Mary Beth
The name Dr. Zombory brought fear to my mind before I had any of his classes. It is well known at PBA that he has a reputation for being one of the hardest professors and it is very difficult to get an A in his class. He is also intimidating. I was scared of him pretty much my entire time in Cognitive Psych. This was my first class with him. I sat in the front row and held onto every word. I studied really hard. I actually learned a lot. Seriously! I even grew to really respect and appreciate him as a teacher. After that I took as many classes with him as I could. I knew if I took a class with him I would have to work really hard, and therefore learn a lot!
I am so glad I did! ALL day today I kept thinking of him and all that I had learned from him. What was a bunch of confusing new information to a lot of my peers at work was an easy review for me. I was able to easily understand why clients act a certain way and why specific treatment methods work better than others. I am so excited about starting this new job. I am so thankful for all that I learned from Dr. Z. He is truly responsible for making my job easier!
Thank you Dr. Z. for making me work really hard in college! Thank you for preparing me for a job in psychology! Thank you for not letting your students take the easy way out or even simply memorize answers for a test! I had to actually learn the information to pass your classes and that information has now given me an advantage at my job. I miss having you as a professor! Thanks again for everything you challenged me to do.
Sincerely,
Mary Beth
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Day 31: Aunt Gaye
I love my aunt Gaye. She is my mother's oldest sister. She lives just outside of Atlanta, not too far from my family. I love how close she and I have gotten since we moved to Atlanta 9 years ago.
Gaye is the one of the most grace filled women I have ever met. I have never seen her raise her voice. I have never seen her act out in anger. I have never heard her say a cross word about anyone. She is so kind.
My aunt has faced so many difficult things in life, but she has handled them all with grace. I know that she would be the first to admit that the grace she has comes directly from the Lord. She has a strong faith in God. It is so much stronger than most people's faith.
I love hanging out with Aunt Gaye. She is such a great listener. I love to talk with her about life. She gives great advice and insight! She has great style and always has the most fabulous hair cuts! Every time I see her her hair is different! I always love it!
Aunt Gaye has always been there for me and my family. No matter what difficulty she was facing, she put it aside and was there for us. She helped us so much when my parents got divorced. She called all the time and visited my mom often. She also kept in touch with me about how things were going at home when I was far away at school. I can never thank her enough for that.
Gaye is a great mom. She loves, loves, loves her kids. She is always there for them whether it's helping them decorate their homes, going to doctor's appointments, traveling together, or just loving them. She is an awesome mother. She is also a fabulous grandmother! She is just so much fun!
I get to see my whole family in 2 weeks over Christmas! I can't wait! I have not seen most of them since our wedding! I look forward to catching up with aunt Gaye especially.
Gaye,
I love you so much! I am so proud to call you my aunt. You have always been there for me and my family. I respect you immensely. I look up to you. You are an incredible woman with amazing faith. I can't wait to see you over Christmas!! I love you!!
Mary Beth
This is a picture of my beautiful Aunt Gaye with her hubby Rick and 2 of their wonderful grand-kids!
Day 30: Sarah Riewerts
Sarah is my beautiful cousin. She and I grew up together and share so many wonderful memories from our childhood!
She is three years older than me so when we were growing up she was the "cool older cousin" who I wanted to be just like! I loved when our families would go on trips to Branson together or spend Christmas Eve at Nanny's house!
Here are my favorite childhood memories with Sarah:
1. Crushing on JTT (Jonathan Taylor Thomas for those of you who are out of the loop) like it was our job. We LOVED JTT. We watched every one of his movies, read all of the Bop and Tiger Beat magazines with him on the cover, and had posters of him adorning our walls. We were convinced that one of us was going to marry him. She got closer, she actually married a guy named John, so I guess she won!
2. We loved Mariah Carey. We would always share her CDs. We thought her music was pretty cool. I still love old Mariah Carey music.
3. Christmas Eve at Nanny's. When we were little we would always beg our parents to let us unwrap our presents pretty much as soon as we got there. There were many years where she and I got matching Christmas pajamas, or clothes, which of course was REALLY cool in my mind. We would watch the weather radar on the News to see where Santa was so we would know when we had to be in bed. We would go outside and look for Santa and his reindeer flying. We were pretty convinced that the nearby airport tower (that was home to a red blinking light) was in fact, Rudolph leading the team to Conway. We were big Santa fans. We always called each other on Christmas morning to compare gifts.
4. I remember one time she came over to my grandma Ba's house to play with me. She and I pretended like we were at college and lived in the same dorm room and were roommates. I think we were like 7 and 10 then, somewhere around those ages. We thought we were pretty cool. I don't know why I specifically remember this play day, but it is a very fond memory!
I wish we still lived close to each other. I think we would have had many more fun memories together! Especially now since we are both around the same stages of life again! We are both young and married, and she has an adorable little girl Karson, and eventually Drew and I want kids! It would be so fun if our kids could have grown up together like we did! I am so thankful for our relationship!
Sarah-
Thank you for being the "cool older cousin" in my life! You are incredibly beautiful and kind! I loved growing up with you! I always had so much fun when we played together! I think you are such a great mom and Karson is a very blessed little girl to have you and John as parents! I wish Drew and I lived closer so we could all hang out together! I love you all and hope to see you soon! If you ever want to come up to Carbondale, (although I don't quite know what the tourist attraction would be since Conway is bigger and more exciting) you are more than welcome in our home!! We love company!
Love you!
Mary Beth
She is three years older than me so when we were growing up she was the "cool older cousin" who I wanted to be just like! I loved when our families would go on trips to Branson together or spend Christmas Eve at Nanny's house!
Here are my favorite childhood memories with Sarah:
1. Crushing on JTT (Jonathan Taylor Thomas for those of you who are out of the loop) like it was our job. We LOVED JTT. We watched every one of his movies, read all of the Bop and Tiger Beat magazines with him on the cover, and had posters of him adorning our walls. We were convinced that one of us was going to marry him. She got closer, she actually married a guy named John, so I guess she won!
2. We loved Mariah Carey. We would always share her CDs. We thought her music was pretty cool. I still love old Mariah Carey music.
3. Christmas Eve at Nanny's. When we were little we would always beg our parents to let us unwrap our presents pretty much as soon as we got there. There were many years where she and I got matching Christmas pajamas, or clothes, which of course was REALLY cool in my mind. We would watch the weather radar on the News to see where Santa was so we would know when we had to be in bed. We would go outside and look for Santa and his reindeer flying. We were pretty convinced that the nearby airport tower (that was home to a red blinking light) was in fact, Rudolph leading the team to Conway. We were big Santa fans. We always called each other on Christmas morning to compare gifts.
4. I remember one time she came over to my grandma Ba's house to play with me. She and I pretended like we were at college and lived in the same dorm room and were roommates. I think we were like 7 and 10 then, somewhere around those ages. We thought we were pretty cool. I don't know why I specifically remember this play day, but it is a very fond memory!
I wish we still lived close to each other. I think we would have had many more fun memories together! Especially now since we are both around the same stages of life again! We are both young and married, and she has an adorable little girl Karson, and eventually Drew and I want kids! It would be so fun if our kids could have grown up together like we did! I am so thankful for our relationship!
Sarah-
Thank you for being the "cool older cousin" in my life! You are incredibly beautiful and kind! I loved growing up with you! I always had so much fun when we played together! I think you are such a great mom and Karson is a very blessed little girl to have you and John as parents! I wish Drew and I lived closer so we could all hang out together! I love you all and hope to see you soon! If you ever want to come up to Carbondale, (although I don't quite know what the tourist attraction would be since Conway is bigger and more exciting) you are more than welcome in our home!! We love company!
Love you!
Mary Beth
This is Sarah and Karson! Beautiful Girls!
Day 29: Cheyanne Lent
You want some encouragement? Go to this girl Cheyanne Lent.
Cheyanne is the most encouraging, uplifting, sweet, joyful person I have ever met in my entire life. Truthfully, not one of those adjectives describing her is exaggerated. She is by far one of the nicest people on the earth.
I met Cheyanne during my freshman first semester. She lived in the same hall as me and was one of the only girls who was actually friendly to my roommates and me. She went out of her way to stop by and say hello. She always goes a step beyond people's expectations. I don't know how she does it. Well, actually I do. She gets her joy from the Lord which is incredibly evident in her life.
Cheyanne actually went to high school with Drew. When I found this out, (before Drew and I were dating) I began drilling Cheyanne on "high school Drew". I wanted details!
Cheyanne is an inspiration to me. She is open and honest about her struggles in life, yet she charges at them full steam ahead! She is a motivational diva. She has a blog where she writes about body image, her goals, plans for the future, etc, and I LOVE READING IT. She motivates me to get healthier and get into better shape. I wish we lived closer because I would ask her to be my workout buddy. If you are interested in reading her blog (if you are a girl and have ever struggled with body image YOU SHOULD) it is: http://therealcheyanne.blogspot.com She is so real and a great writer.
Cheyanne and I were never really very close, but she has impacted my life. I think of her often! She is a role model and an inspiration to me!
Cheyanne-
Girl thank you for being YOU!! You are beautiful and your life is a testament to God's goodness. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. I think you are one of the strongest women out there! You are a blessing to so many and I can't wait to see your success in life! Keep writing! Keep claiming God's Truth, keep being you! I am so glad I met you and got to know you even if on a surface level. I appreciate you! Thanks for your influence in my life and in the world!! YOU ROCK SISTER!
Sincerely,
Mary Beth
Cheyanne is the most encouraging, uplifting, sweet, joyful person I have ever met in my entire life. Truthfully, not one of those adjectives describing her is exaggerated. She is by far one of the nicest people on the earth.
I met Cheyanne during my freshman first semester. She lived in the same hall as me and was one of the only girls who was actually friendly to my roommates and me. She went out of her way to stop by and say hello. She always goes a step beyond people's expectations. I don't know how she does it. Well, actually I do. She gets her joy from the Lord which is incredibly evident in her life.
Cheyanne actually went to high school with Drew. When I found this out, (before Drew and I were dating) I began drilling Cheyanne on "high school Drew". I wanted details!
Cheyanne is an inspiration to me. She is open and honest about her struggles in life, yet she charges at them full steam ahead! She is a motivational diva. She has a blog where she writes about body image, her goals, plans for the future, etc, and I LOVE READING IT. She motivates me to get healthier and get into better shape. I wish we lived closer because I would ask her to be my workout buddy. If you are interested in reading her blog (if you are a girl and have ever struggled with body image YOU SHOULD) it is: http://therealcheyanne.blogspot.com She is so real and a great writer.
Cheyanne and I were never really very close, but she has impacted my life. I think of her often! She is a role model and an inspiration to me!
Cheyanne-
Girl thank you for being YOU!! You are beautiful and your life is a testament to God's goodness. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. I think you are one of the strongest women out there! You are a blessing to so many and I can't wait to see your success in life! Keep writing! Keep claiming God's Truth, keep being you! I am so glad I met you and got to know you even if on a surface level. I appreciate you! Thanks for your influence in my life and in the world!! YOU ROCK SISTER!
Sincerely,
Mary Beth
Yes, this is a picture of Chey and Tim Tebow. I love it!
Day 28: Marianne Haaland
Marianne is the coolest Norwegian friend I have! Technically, she is the only Norwegian friend I have, but that does not cancel her coolness. She is lovely, talented, kind, and so dear to me.
We met in our theatre class in college. She was intriguing to me! Blonde, beautiful, young, married, and Norwegian. I wanted to know about her. Who was she? Who was her husband? How long had she lived in America? Eventually she and I became great friends and I got all of the questions answered!
I love Marianne. Drew and I have had some amazing double-dates with she and her hubby Christen. We have such a blast with them!! We love to play board games with the Haalands. Normally Christen dominates at Monopoly, but I try really hard not to hold that against them!
Marianne is an aspiring actress. Well, not really aspiring, she is an actress. She has been in tons of Florida productions, even a show that toured and played at the Hard Rock called Girl's Night! It was always such a blast going to see her shows! She is truly talented and I can't wait to say "I knew her when...." someday when she is rich and famous! (Remember me when you are rich and famous and take me on luxurious vacations with you, okay?).
I love hanging out with Marianne. Often we would get together and go see a movie or go shopping. We love having our girl talk and she was so helpful to me with all my "pre-wedding" questions since she was married. I miss this girl so very much!
Marianne also has a huge heart and a broad worldview. She has lived in many different countries including, Madagascar, Norway, England, and America and it has made her very culturally aware. She loves the Lord and is committed to glorifying Him through all of her actions. I think it is so beneficial for Christians to have cultural knowledge. So many Americans are not educated in the way that Marianne is. I try to learn what I can from her about other countries and their perspectives. It is important that we acknowledge others. It is so easy for us Americans to only think of our own country. That is one of the biggest lessons Marianne has taught me.
Marianne,
I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!! We need to have a phone date very soon! I wish I could have seen Project Christmas! I always loved watching you in that. I miss seeing you frequently and wish so badly we lived just down the street from each other! Or even in the same town! Thank you for everything you have taught me! Thank you for all of the prayers you have prayed for me. Thank you for being my friend. I appreciate your friendship so much! I love you and I miss you terribly!
MB
We met in our theatre class in college. She was intriguing to me! Blonde, beautiful, young, married, and Norwegian. I wanted to know about her. Who was she? Who was her husband? How long had she lived in America? Eventually she and I became great friends and I got all of the questions answered!
I love Marianne. Drew and I have had some amazing double-dates with she and her hubby Christen. We have such a blast with them!! We love to play board games with the Haalands. Normally Christen dominates at Monopoly, but I try really hard not to hold that against them!
Marianne is an aspiring actress. Well, not really aspiring, she is an actress. She has been in tons of Florida productions, even a show that toured and played at the Hard Rock called Girl's Night! It was always such a blast going to see her shows! She is truly talented and I can't wait to say "I knew her when...." someday when she is rich and famous! (Remember me when you are rich and famous and take me on luxurious vacations with you, okay?).
I love hanging out with Marianne. Often we would get together and go see a movie or go shopping. We love having our girl talk and she was so helpful to me with all my "pre-wedding" questions since she was married. I miss this girl so very much!
Marianne also has a huge heart and a broad worldview. She has lived in many different countries including, Madagascar, Norway, England, and America and it has made her very culturally aware. She loves the Lord and is committed to glorifying Him through all of her actions. I think it is so beneficial for Christians to have cultural knowledge. So many Americans are not educated in the way that Marianne is. I try to learn what I can from her about other countries and their perspectives. It is important that we acknowledge others. It is so easy for us Americans to only think of our own country. That is one of the biggest lessons Marianne has taught me.
Marianne,
I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!! We need to have a phone date very soon! I wish I could have seen Project Christmas! I always loved watching you in that. I miss seeing you frequently and wish so badly we lived just down the street from each other! Or even in the same town! Thank you for everything you have taught me! Thank you for all of the prayers you have prayed for me. Thank you for being my friend. I appreciate your friendship so much! I love you and I miss you terribly!
MB
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