New Home, New Friends

Wow has it already been two full weeks living in Arizona already??

I can hardly believe this born and raised California girl now calls Scottsdale home.

Surprisingly I'm adjusting rather well.

As I've mentioned before, the heat can be difficult, but I seem to be surviving so far.

Last night was my first time attending the young adult group"The Element" at Highlands Church, and although I was a bit nervous going in not knowing anyone, the Lord was truly watching over me as He so graciously brought wonderful friends my way.

I dont think I've laughed so hard as I did last night in a very long time.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and making new friends, and cant wait to get to know everyone even better.

I think finding and making new friends in a strange place can be the hardest part of moving sometimes, but as my mom told me last week,

"There's no way the Lord would move you out here to Arizona and leave you stranded. Trust that He has a plan for you."

What a wonderful blessing it is to have a mother who can point me back to the Lord and have enough faith for the both of us when my own begins to lack.

I've kept her words in my heart and mind all week, and as usual, she was right.

The Lord did not forget about me. His plan for me is far beyond what I can see, but I will continue to move forward in faith, trusting that His plan for my new life here in Arizona is far greater than what I can even envision for myself.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

One Year Ago

With all the hustle and bustle of life lately, I realized my one year anniversary of finishing treatment has come and gone without me even noticing. This last April was officially one year since I graduated from the eating disorder treatment center Healthy Within. I suppose it slipped my mind simply because it feels as if it was a lifetime ago. I look back now at the broken shell of a girl I used to be, and I dont even recognize her. What an amazing work the Lord has done in my life. Not a day goes by that I'm not reminded of my past struggle with anorexia. Its strange, even though I'm in recovery and happier than I've ever been, my eating disorder past is not easily erased. Perhaps because each day I'm forced to face what used to be my enemy (food), or maybe its because the pain I felt ran so deep not even time could fill what used to be. Regardless, I continue to wake each morning and remember. I remember every detail, every ache, every pain, and every life I affected.
But today I celebrate my freedom. I celebrate in the fact that I no longer measure food, count calories, weigh myself, or live on diet soda. I dont care about the size of my pants or if my stomach is slightly bloated. I dont freak out when offered carbs or sweet treats. I dont avoid food and social gatherings like the plague. I dont read fitness magazines or celebrity diet tricks. Above all I've learned to accept that each body is made to look different. I've embraced the fact that my body is continually changing, choosing to love my flaws instead of trying to change them.
Sure, I have my difficult days. Days when I wake up and wish I could change everything about myself, but then I glance down at my ankle and see my tattoo and I'm reminded once again that I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

Here's a picture of my tattoo for those of you who haven't seen it. Please forgive the angle and quality of the photo, I just snapped it myself and trying to take a picture of my own ankle was no easy task.

UPDATE:

For those of you who read my sister's comment and wondered what she's talking about in her reference to my tattoo artist using spell check, its a bit of a long explanation. So in an attempt to make a long story short, my tattoo artist made the mistake everyone fears... he misspelled my tattoo! According to proper grammar, the book is supposed to be spelled "Psalm" not "Psalms". Surprisingly, I wasnt upset or angry when he made the boo boo, instead I chose to see it as a beautiful representation of who I am.... imperfect yet still beautiful in God's eyes.

Happy Birthday Colleen

Today I dedicate this bog to a dear friend of mine. A friend who knows me better than I know myself sometimes. A friend who has been there for me through thick and thin and continues to love and support me through all the decisions I make, good or bad.

I met Colleen about a year and a half ago, and ever since then we've been fast friends. As a matter of fact, Colleen is much more than a friend to me, she's family.

No matter how much time goes by, at any moment I know we can pick up the phone and start right where we left off with each other, and I for one love friendships like that.

Yes indeed Colleen is a wonderful friend.

I admire she strength, her determination, and her heart for the Lord.

No has taught me more about having the courage to be genuinely authentic in life, and for that I am so thankful.

The Lord truly blessed my life when he put her in my path.

Happy 25th Birthday Colleen!!!

I love you to pieces!

xoxoxo

I Live In An Oven

Phew, life in Arizona sure is HOT!

I suppose I knew that considering I voluntarily moved myself to the desert, but let me tell ya adjusting to the heat is far harder than I expected.

Life is different when you live in a virtual oven.

For starters, its totally unnecessary to bundle up in the morning when I take Tirzah outside for her morning potty walk. Gone are the days when 6am meant 45 degrees. I now walk out the door and am greeted by a brisk 80 degree morning.

I've learned that air conditioning, ice cold bottled water, shorts, and lots of homemade Popsicles are my new best friends.

Another friend of mine..... my new automatic car start.

If you've never heard of it your seriously missing out.

This control panel slides onto my key ring and can actually start my car and cool it down for up to 15 minuets before I even get into the car.

No more sticking to the seats or wearing gloves because the steering wheel is too hot to touch.
I simply press a button when I'm in the store check out line, and *voila* my car is cool as a cucumber by the time I get to it. Its a life saver indeed!

As for Tirzah, well she's learning to manage the heat as well.

Tirzah now drinks double the water she used to in a day, and her new favorite hobby is when I place a cold ice cube on the kitchen floor for her to lick and chase around.

More often than not I find poor Tirz just sprawled out on the cool entry way tile just relaxing.

I've learned that during the heat of the summer its best for Tirzah and I to take several small walks a day rather than a few long walks. This prevents her (and myself) from over heating.

Yep, life sure is different now.

But I have to say, I'm starting to love my new life as an Arizona girl.... on the other hand maybe thats just the heat talking ;-)

My handy dandy homemade Popsicle maker.

Simply pour in your favorite juice (My favorites are organic blueberry and lemonade)

and place in the freezer. Once frozen, pop one out and enjoy the cool frozen goodness.

Here's a cute shirt I just couldn't resist buying. As a matter of fact I bought one for both my sister and I. If you cant read the print, it says:

"sun-loving, desert-hiking, mountain-biking, spa-hopping, poolside-lounging, blissed, blessed, at-one-with-the-universe, ARIZONA GIRL. Is it hot in here or is it just me?"

Not Me Monday

I can hardly believe its already June 1st as I sit here in my new apartment with my air conditioner blasting and organic homemade blueberry Popsicle in hand. Time sure does fly by when your busy having fun... or rather just plain busy. But regardless, life can get crazy sometimes, so join me in some therapeutic fun as I deny all the embarrassing things I've done in another round of Not Me Monday!

1. I did NOT leave the house at 6:45am this morning in order to make it to my new summer school class.... without coffee much less!


2. I did NOT nearly fall asleep during my first lecture due to the fact that I stayed up far too late last night watching the new completely cheesy 4 hour Lifetime movie "Maneater".


3. I am NOT secretly proud of my mom who has now officially joined the blogging world by creating her own blog (with the help of my sister and I of course)... Click here to visit her site: http://www.sharonsemptynest.blogspot.com/


4. I did NOT spend a good chunk of my evening coloring in a Barbi coloring book with Bella while watching Tom and Jerry cartoons.


5. I did NOT later bribe Bella with an airhead candy in order to keep her quiet and happy until my sister came to pick her up.


6. I am NOT panicking that my car is leaking some kind of fluid and I have to be a grown up and take it to a mechanic tomorrow morning.


7. I am NOT obsessed with watching various Monday night reality TV shows such as The Bachelorette, John and Kate Plus 8, Here Comes the Newlyweds, and Cake Boss.


8. I am NOT counting down the hours till I can get in comfy clothes, sit with my sister and a glass of wine, and watch the reality shows mentioned above.

A Few Thoughts For The Day

I'm reading a new book called "Having a Mary Heart In a Martha World", and although I've only finished the first chapter, I've already been inspired. The book offers much to think and pray about, so here are a few quotes to contemplate on....

• "Busyness, by itself, breeds distraction"
• "While the world applauds achievement, God desires companionship. The world clamors "do more! Be all that you can be!" But our Father whispers, "Be still and know that I am God"
• "We are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. The one thing is not found in doing more. It's found by sitting at His feet"
• Matthew 11:28-29 ---> (open your Bible to see what it says)

More quotes and thoughts to ponder soon to come....

Being an Aunt

As most of you probably already know, my adorable niece Bella is absolutely 100% the love of my life.

No one can make me smile as much or laugh as hard as she can.

No one says "Aunt Emily" in a more precious voice than she does.

No one asks me to color or play dress up the way she asks.

No one's endless energy keeps me on my toes quite like hers.

Ever since I moved to Arizona a week ago, Bella and I have been having the same conversation everyday, and it goes a little something like this...

Bella: "You live near me now Aunt Emily"

Emily: "That's right Bell, I live right down the street from you. Isn't that cool?"

Bella: "Yeah. Will you live here forever??"

Emily: "Yep, forever"

Bella: "Forever and ever??"

Emily: "Yes, forever and ever"

Bella: "Forever and ever and ever??"

Emily: "Yep!!"

Isnt that just precious? I swear that little girl melts my heart every time... Nothin like bein an Aunt!

Picture of My Apartment... Finally!!

Alright alright I know you are all just dying to see pictures of my new Arizona apartment.
And I know I've tortured you enough by making you wait an impossibly long amount of time.
But you have to admit, its built quite a bit of anticipation.

I mean this is a big moment.

These pictures are not of just any apartment, they're of my apartment.

The apartment I will most likely call home for the next 3 (or more) years.

The apartment that will house me and my messy, complicated, and somewhat adventurous life.

The apartment that will be my safe haven, my comfort, and my home.

The apartment that will see me through good times and bad, tears and laughter.

Nope, its not just ANY apartment, its my "home sweet home"

So without further ado.....

Here's a view from the front entry of the kitchen/dining room. Isnt my burnt reddish orange wall awesome??

view of dining room/living room (and Tirzah)

My living room (and Tirzah... again)

My bedroom (a work in progress)

Part of my bathroom (it extends further to the left, but I couldnt get the angle)

Tirzah relaxing in her new home

Finding My Way

Well, I'm all settled in and trying to adjust to my new surroundings here in Arizona.

Luckily it hasnt been too hot lately, but I know the summer heat is on its way.

Its strange calling a new city "home", as a matter of fact it feels nothing like home.... well not yet anyway.

I think the only thing keeping me sane in this crazy new world is my amazing sister Bri.

Living down the street from her has been a true blessing.

On the bright side, I'm totally in love with my new apartment. I know I've lived on my own before, but something about this place makes me feel like a grown up... wait I am a grown up.

Whoa thats weird.

Anyway, my apartment is spacious yet cozy and smells of rich hazelnut cream (thanks to my hazelnut cream candle). There are quite a few windows which allows for a plethora of sun light to flood the main living space during the afternoon. I think Tirzah is probably a bigger fan of the sunlight than I am, as she is always sure to find a sunlit patch on the carpet to curl up on and bask in.

There's nothing quite like a warm safe place to come home to at night, and this apartment has definitely become my little haven.

Of course once my new place was set up and settled, I knew it was time to venture out. Learning my way around Scottsdale has had its difficult moments, but thanks to the book of directions my sister wrote and laminated for me, its been surprisingly simple.

There are a TON of shopping centers, parks, and biking trails all within minuets from my place. As a matter of fact, my sister and I enjoyed a pleasant bike ride this morning, and although it was already 85 degrees at 8:00am, it was a refreshing way to start the day.

All in all I'm learning to love this new place I call home.

I'm anxious to see what God has in store for me here, but regardless I'm choosing to trust in the Lord's plan.

Couscous and Capers

Maybe something is in the water here in Arizona.

Or maybe I've been bitten by the "domestic bug",

but whatever the reason, I've recently developed a deep love for cooking.

Its amazing the variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains the Lord has provided for us to enjoy, and I for one would hate to miss out on all that deliciousness!!

Sitting and enjoying a meal with someone you love is definitely one of the greatest pleasures in life, and tonight I had the privilege of spending some valuable one on one time with my mom in my new apartment.

It was a wonderful time.

We popped open a bottle of wine, lit some candles, and chatted while I prepared a meal for the two of us to enjoy.

And what was on the menu you ask??...

Feta-Chicken Couscous Salad of course!

There's nothing quite like couscous and capers to make your mouth water!

And in case you were wondering, here is the recipe for you to make and enjoy:

Feta-Chicken Couscous Salad

1 serving of cooked whole wheat couscous

1 cup of cooked and diced chicken breast

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

3 Tbs capers

1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbs lemon juice

2 cups of mixed salad greens

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese