Bedroom Makeover

I moved into my apartment September of 2013.  By October of 2013 I basically stopped decorating my apartment.  I had done a lot, got burned out, and ran out of money.  What I had decorated was great, but I have always wanted to do more.
Fast forward to a year later and while I had decorated and changed up my living room, I had yet to decorate my bedroom.  Honestly no one but me goes in there, clothes are always all over the place, and what I have wanted to do was going to cost money.  But I finally bit the bullet and got my bedroom decorated...at least a little bit!
The Before: Sorry for the unmade bed:)

I liked my cream colored curtains because they made the room light.  But they were terrible about blocking out light.  And the apartment complex decided a couple weeks ago to replace our street light bulbs with the brightest ones they could find.  There just so happens to be a street light right outside my apartment.  So darker curtains were needed.
That little space with the printer?  I have wanted to add a table and decorate the wall for all my jewelry.  I shopped around and found the table below from Walmart.  Assemble was weird, but it works.  And it was cost efficient.

I feel like I still need to add to the wall behind my bed.  But I am not sure what else I want to put with my monogram.  Suggestions anyone?  I am open to just about anything!

Please excuse the chair full of clothes.  At least I made the bed?  Also still looking/saving for a real desk chair.  The current one is from my dining room.

One of my friends from college, Becky, made the earring holder.  I love it!  I have found that when I display all of my jewelry, the more likely I am to wear it.  Also I had forgotten how many earrings I have.  It had all been hidden away for the last year because I did not have a place for my jewelry.

The table was the perfect addition I needed.  I love the color and height and that my printer can fit underneath it.  I wish the printer was more hidden, but hey it's a give and take when you are decorating on a budget!
I am in love with my new additions!  Plus I am pretty proud of myself for finally getting around to decorating my room.  Also sorry for the crappy iphone pictures.  It was quicker and easier than pulling out the big camera!

A Time To Give Back

I have not spent a lot of time on here talking about my internship for school.  With my profession (counseling) there is a lot of confidentiality, so I cannot share much even though I would love to.  In case you haven't been around here long, I work at a residential homeless shelter for women and children.  And I am in love with what I do and who I work with.
I have mentioned before that I was scared and nervous to work with this population.  If you had asked me a year ago if I would, I would have said an emphatic no.  But the Lord showed me where He wanted me and I have fallen in love with this population.
I saw this video posted on Facebook last week.  Go watch it now, I will wait.  I had tears streaming down my face at the end of the video for many reasons.  One, I have been that person who has denied the hungry.  Two, after working with the homeless I cry anytime I see someone being kind to them because I know that could be either a past or future client of mine.
I bring this topic up because I desire to bring awareness to this population.  Fearing the homeless is a normal reaction for us.  But what if that was your mom, dad, sister, brother, or friend?  Wouldn't you want someone to be kind to them?  Wouldn't you want someone to reach out and feed them?  Wouldn't you want someone to love on them? I know I would.
There are many things we can do for this population.  Yes many are on drugs and will use money for that.  BUT they are also hungry and need to be loved on.  Can you spare a granola bar or an hour of your time?  I know I can.
If you do not feel comfortable reaching those directly on the streets, go to a shelter and volunteer.  Serve food or just offer to mentor them. This time of year is one of the best times for you to do this.  With it being Thanksgiving this week and Christmas soon, it is a great time to give back.  So take some time and find your way to give back.  Spend some time with the least loved people and show them Jesus.

Good People

The other day I was watching one of my 59478634 reality shows that I love.  I believe it was the show "My Five Wives".  I am so a person who loves understanding how other people live and run their life…so I love watching shows like this one since it is so opposite of my life.  One thing the wives kept say really struck me. And I haven't been able to get it out of my head.
The family recently left their church and are now raising their kids "to be good people".  My immediate question was "What does it mean to be a good person?"  Why would that be the sole purpose for how you raise your kids? What good will it do them? Why be just a good person?
This all stems from the reason why I desire to be a good person.  I do it to please God.  I do it because it is commanded of me.  I act in a Christ-like manner (or at least I try to ) because that is what I am called to do.  So what if I didn't believe this?  
Would I still want to be a good person? Would it be worth it to be just a good person?  Or would I live carefree, not care who I pissed off, and not have a worry in the world about what kind of person I am.  Without having a "higher power" to respond to, then why would I want to be a "good person"?
I actually started this post a couple months ago and when reading back over it I have to still agree with what I am saying.  Why would anyone just want to be a "good person"?  I know many of you who read my blog may not believe in God, so maybe yall can answer this question for me.  What is your motivation to be a good person and raise your children that way?  I am completely not judging here.  I just know what motivates me to be good and want to know the same for those of you who may not believe.
I love each and every one of my readers.  I value all of your opinions, so please share!

My Favorite Kinds Of Posts

I have come to love reading blogs for  many many reasons.  I love learning about other people's lives, being able to connect with amazing women across the country, and learning about all kinds of new things I would never know if it weren't for those women.  I have to say that as much as I love connecting with other women, the most favorite thing I love about blogging are all of the new things I learn about.
I love it when y'all share your favorite make up or food.  I love it when y'all share the latest greatest book to read.  Or when y'all share about websites to visit or places to buy things.  Because of you who do this, I have come to find some of my most favorite things.
Because I love this oh so much, I thought I would share some of these women and their posts with you.  Most of these I have tried out or they are on my list to try when I can find some money to do so.  I find each of these women are very reputable in their opinions and anytime they suggest anything I know it will be good!
Nadine from East & is my go to blogger for suggestions on just about everything.  She is always great about sharing her latest greatest finds with her readers and I LOVE that.  This post about podcasts has been my most recent love (I can't turn Serial off!).  And this post on where it find pictures for my blog has been bookmarked and used over and over again by myself.  
Lauren from 34 Magnolia Street has done an awesome job about sharing about clothing subscription boxes.  She has tried out a couple and can lead you where to find more.  This is one of those I have tried as well as want to save some money to keep trying more of them!
Through Lauren's Linkup I found Mandy from Mandy Living Life who mentioned the website Blogging for Books in her post this month.  I had never heard of this site and instantly fell in love when I learned I could get books for free if I am willing to write a review on my blog about the book.  My first book is now on the way:)
We all know that Erin from Living in Yellow is always endorsing some great product.  She always has something to share and something for you to buy.  I have bought some of the items, mostly jewelry, that she has shared and always been impressed. 
Being that I am a lover of running (I started again this week!!) I always love reading Katie's at From Ice Cream to Marathon posts about running products.  She always has something fun to share and giveaway.  And being the avid runner she is, I trust what she says about products! Currently she is reviewing some yummy looking protein smoothies!
We all have our favorite kind of posts and these just so happen to be mine.  I love finding new products to love, just like every other girl out there!  Take a look into these blogs and find some things you love!

Crazy Cat Mom

I have reached the point in my life where I am willing and able to admit the sides of myself I may have previously been embarrassed to admit to.  If you know me in real life then you know I am kinda crazy and quirky.  But aren't we all?
If you follow me on social media or know me then you know I might sorta kinda be obsessed with Brutus, my cat.  Yes, I am a Crazy Cat Mom.  I would like to say I am just like every other pet owner, but I know the truth.  I'm crazy.
Lets look at a few examples of this craziness.
These two pictures?  I have DIED laughing over them many many times.  And I still do every time I see a glimpse of them.  I mean come on..sleeping with his eye open and then looking like he is missing an arm?  I DIE!!

Brutus and I have conversations.  I talk to him all the time.  While cooking dinner, when I leave the house or come home, when I am sad, when I am happy, and when I am bored.  I talk to Brutus all the time.
I give Brutus pretty much whatever he would like.  All he has to do is give me that look and then place his paws gently on my arm and he gets what he wants.  It's usually food.  Milk is his favorite.

Whenever I take Brutus to the vet I have one of two reactions: I laugh because he acts like a crazy man for no reason or I treat him like a momma's boy.  And hide him under the towels like this so that he feels safe.

Well I think that's enough sharing of my crazy cat mom status.  We all know I have now just shot down any chances of ever finding a boyfriend.  At least I have Brutus??

November Goals Update

Ah time to go over some goals again.  I missed October because Rissa and I were having too much fun at Harry Potter World.  But I am back and ready to attack these goals again!!
1. Put 10% of each paycheck into my Savings. Instead of putting away 10% of each paycheck I changed this to reaching a certain number in my savings and staying there. I have reached that number!!!!! And now I just have to keep it there! Lack of income is still playing a part in not achieving this goal.  And I am ok with that.  I think this goal has died.
2.  Go Back to Charleston Need to get to work on this one! Pretty sure this one is not going to happen this year.  But here is to hoping for surprises?
3.  Focus on my Health I ran (using the term loosely) 3 5k's this summer! I did the best I could and got them done!

Not much to add to this one.  But now that it is FINALLY cooling down in Florida I am making it a goal to get back to running once again.

4.  Really get involved in Church I think I am really starting to do this.  It might be because my internship is requiring me too since it is at the church, but I still feel like I am getting involved.  I know I could be doing more and hope to work on this.
5. Meet a blog friend in person October 2, 2014 Rissa and I officially met in person! And we had the best weekend ever.  You can read all about it here.

6. Visit Tennessee and New Hampshire twice at least before the year is up!
I visited Tennessee in March.  It was great and I really miss it a lot.  I don't think I will make it back up there this year, but soon my heart will make it there.

Ashlee did come down for Easter which was so great.  I was so happy to be able to spend some great time with her! It was much needed best friend time!

New Hampshire was amazing in August.  Most needed and best trip I could have ever asked for.  I cannot wait to go back!

7.  Finish decorating my apartment

Here is what it looked like before:

The first three prints are from Lauren's Blog
Here is way it looks like now:

The new Prints are from this shop.
I also found this tin bin that I absolutely LOVE. It is going a over my kitchen cabinets. I am working on decorating up there and as soon as it is done I will share a finished picture!

So I haven't quite finished a room yet.  I am so close to having my kitchen done and I cannot wait to share it.  I had plans to get a bookshelf for my dining/living room. And then Brutus started jumping on the counters so I got him a cat tree and it sits where I would have out the bookshelf. So I would say at least I added something!?

August I chose to change up my whole living room.  I changed the layout and I rearranged and added to my gallery wall.  I am in love with the change!

The goal for November is to decorate my bedroom.  I know exactly what I want to do, I just need to spend the money and make it happen.  I know I will love it and that I need it so that I can be more organized.

8. Find a Practicum and Internship site I wrote all about my site here.  And I have also committed to being at Lighthouse until December for my internship.  I will also be working at a church doing support groups and working on gaining individual clients.  To see what kind of work I am doing read this post.
9. Go visit my sister at least one weekend before she comes home from Law School. The last week of September I made it up there to help Mattie after she had a cast put on her foot.  Then the weekend of October 17 my friend Brittany and I headed up there for the Boyce Avenue Concert.  I loved being able to visit and definitely want to make it back up there come January.

10. Quit one of my jobs I DID IT!! You read all about it here. 
11. Do 10 Random Acts of kindness I completed two already! I sent Lauren and her hubby a gift card to go on a date. Those two just moved and I knew life was crazy for them. I just wanted them to take some time for themselves:)  Also when I was in Tennessee I treated some friends to meals. It was my way of showing love to them:) Ok so this might sound completely conceded but I feel like I have completed this one unintentionally.  I love doing things for others and don't even think about it!
So I am changing it to intentionally going out of my way to do RAOK.  AKA paying for someones meal in a fast food line.  Or something that I have to go out of my way to do, not something I normally do.
I have not been great at this one but I am definitely wanting to get on it this month!  Seriously!
12.  Spend more time in the Word Still a work in progress. I was doing good and then I let life get in the way:( Still working on this one too….
13.  Stop procrastinating work as much New semester, new start right?!  I have begun my summer semester and I will be forced to be more diligent with my work.  It's a lot more busier and I have to really watch when things are due.  But I am looking forward to doing it all!
I find it funny I put this on the list in January.  Mostly because currently I m procrastinating more than I ever thought possible.  It's horrible and really stressful.  I MUST GET BETTER AT THIS!
14.  Put my phone away more I really worked on this one. And I am proud to say, I have put my phone away a lot! I have enjoyed time with my family and friends without my phone involved. And I have loved it. It has also made me more aware of when others are on their phones or devices when I am trying to talk to them.not a fan of being ignored and so since I now know how it feels I won't be doing it as often anymore!
Slowly but surely I will be completing all of these goals! Like I said, I am loving doing them and I know they will get done!

My Tuesday

We have all seen those "Day In A Life" blog posts.  In fact I did one at some point in time but I can't find the post and I am too lazy to look more for it.  All I know about it is that it was while I was in college.  And my life has changed since then and I know y'all are just dying to see what I do during my days.
For me each day looks different from each other.  But from week to week they stay the same.  I know what I do each day of the week (most of the time) even with the many changes that would happen.  I chose Tuesday to show you for a two reasons.  
1.  It was the day I remembered to take pictures of my day 2.  It is was one of my busier days where I have much more going on.
So here it is, what Mosby did on November 4, 2014.
6:30 a.m. Wake up.  Check social media.  Stretch.  Think about what I want to wear that day.  Go potty.  Get ready for the day.

7:00 a.m. Done getting ready and now reading blogs.  Normally I would be cooking breakfast at this time but I was out of food and decided to just go to Dunkin Donuts instead.  So I am wasting time till I need to leave.  And of course the blog I am reading is another "Day In The Life Post"

7:10 a.m. Leave for Dunkin and work.  Make sure to give Brutus kisses goodbye.
7:45 a.m. Get to Lighthouse to start Grief Group at 8.  This week we were finishing going over the Biblical references to our topic.  I love that we are able to make connections like this for the women.  It has become a time where I learn right along with them, which I always love spending time learning in my Bible.   

8:50 a.m. Done with group.  Remind clients they will be seeing me.  Talk to the girls and catch up a little.  I always miss so much over the weekends and I love that they want to fill me in.  Knowing I am not just their "life coach" but also like a friend.  It doesn't happen with all of them, but the ones it does is always great.
9:00 a.m. Get my files and head to my office.  Decide I am tired of the clutter and reorganized for a minute.  And I finally put something up on my walls! Thursday I plan to bring in some lamps to make the space even better.

9:10 a.m. Go pick up my first client.  I say pick up because he is 4 and cannot get to my office on his own.  We then proceed to have a tea party, play darts, open the window and watch cars, and play catch with my question soccer ball.  Overall I call it an awesome session.
9:55 a.m. Drop my client back off at pre-school.  Go back to my office and write in his file.  Go potty.  Talk to some of the caseworkers, the other counselor there, and prep for my next client.

10:45 a.m. While talking to a caseworker and the other counselor again I mention things I am in need of for my office and Play Therapy room.  The other counselor and I are given permission to go to the toy room and find some things I needed.  I was SO excited to finally have some baby dolls and Barbies!
11:30 a.m.  Second client comes in for her session.
12:15 a.m.  Session done.  Write in file.  As I am wrapping up at Lighthouse I get distracted by other clients.  I run back and forth between offices trying to finish up so I can head out. 

12:35 a.m. I finally leave LH and head to the grocery store.  Half way there I get a reminder on my phone that I have a meeting with my school supervisor at 1:00.  So I quickly turn around and make it to the school right on time.
1:30 a.m. Make it to the grocery store.  At this point I am starving and just want to go as quickly as possible.

2:00 a.m. Make it home and unload the groceries.  Finally sit down and eat the yummy salad I bought for lunch since I was starving at the grocery store and always end up buying myself more food than I need when this happens.

2:30 p.m. Watch Gilmore Girls.  Return emails and play on the computer.  Mostly spend time of Facebook and blogging.  A little homework was done.  As in 5 minutes worth.  Look at me being an overachiever!
3:00 p.m. I'm exhausted and since I know I have class til 10 p.m. I take a 30 minute nap.
3:30 p.m. Wake up wishing I could keep sleeping.  Get my things together for class and pack my dinner.

4:30 p.m. First class of three of the evening.  It is my internship class where we get to share about clients and ask important questions.  It is also where we all know I do my best blogging and homework.
5:50 p.m. Break for 10 minutes in between classes.  Prep with a friend for our presentation during out third class.

6:05 p.m.  Back to class and back to blogging.  And time to eat.  I was pretty happy I brought this sandwich with me.  Cubans are my favorite.  Also this class is Psychopathology.  Definitely one of my favorites and I tend to do a little more listening and little less blogging.
7:50 p.m. Break for 10 minutes before our last class of the night, Spiritual Integration.  By this point I am done blogging, done listening, and do not want to present in class.  But Cat and I must.  I actually didn't mind this presentation on one of my clients.  I am always a fan of talking about them when I am allowed to.  
9:50 p.m.  Done with class and time to head home.  All evening I have spent time looking for a sub job and know I will have to wake up early to get one for Wednesday.  

10:10 p.m. Make it home and crash on the couch and cuddle with Brutus for a little bit.  I know I need to go to bed but I want to watch more Gilmore girls.  

Operation Read Your Shelves: Harry Potter

You see that tab up there on the top of the page that says "Good Reads".  Yeah well it has been there for quite some time...as in like almost two years.  If you click on that cute little tab, then you will see that it has yet to have anything put there.  Yes, shame on me!

I have always been an avid reader.  I love books and getting wrapped up into their stories.  As a kid I could not wait to get my work done at school because when I finished I was allowed to read.  When I went off to college reading was put on hold for a bit...well reading for enjoyment was.  You would think with grad school the same would happen, but I have been finding myself always reading many books at one time these days.

After going to Harry Potter World last month, I decided that it was about time to reread the series.  Funny story about that.  I realized when I made this decision that I had NEVER read the first two books of the series.  I remember trying to read book 1 and not liking it so I gave up (this was when I was like 10. Not cool 10 year old Mosby).  Then, around the time I wanted to read them, my mom had given away the first two books to someone to read and I had seen the first two movies, so I just started with the third book.  

Books 3-7 I have read at least twice.  Now I figured it was time to get book 1 and start reading.  So I know this linkup is about reading what you already have (and we did at some point in time) but I cheated a little and bought the first two books.  Forgive me please?

I never realized how much information I was missing from not reading the first book.  Or the differences in the book and movie.  I loved reading and remembering how the movie did and liking the original writing better.  I loved getting more character details, castle details, and event details.  So worth it to read.

Tomorrow I will be getting Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and I cannot wait to dig into it!  Since I loved learning so much this time I know I will be loving the second book.  Anyone have anything fun to tell me that I may learn in this book?