Introducing the O-Team

To be honest I have lost track of how long I have been in Texas. Time flies when you are having fun. But I believe it is right around the five month mark. So I thought I would give you an update on how things are going. Just a few months ago, I was scared and nervous about coworkers, coordinating orientation and making friends.

I am so thankful that just five months later I can say I no longer have any of these fears. (Please don’t mistake that as; I don’t have any fears at allJ). Yesterday marked the end of the summer orientation season. And my coworkers and I are both happy to say I survived. This summer has been a great experience; each week brought a new learning experience both personally and professionally. Before this week’s orientation session I took a few minutes to thank the orientation team also known as the O-Team. I was not planning to do this in advance, but I quickly pulled together some thoughts I wanted to share with them. I stood up and looked around the room and said,

I would prefer to do this tomorrow after orientation, but we won’t have a meeting then so I will do it now. I have loved working with y’all and have had so much fun. Y’all don’t know, but when I was thinking about moving to Texas I was so nervous about not knowing anyone. I was not sure how you would like me or accept me. Oh goodness I’m going to start crying. Sorry (the tears were falling now)! But y’all have welcomed me and allowed me to be a part of the team. That means so much to me. I am so thankful for this summer and each one of you.

I added a few more lines about the upcoming orientation session. But as I ended I looked around the room and all these faces were filled with smiles. How could you not cry? Then I hear voices saying, “Did you hear her, she said y’all like 3 or more times”. Then the room filled with laugher as we all realized I had finally mastered the use of y’all. See one of the many lessons the O-team has been trying to teach me is the proper way to Texan talk. And this was the first time I unintentionally pulled it off.  It was a magical moment and an amazing summer with my Texas familyJ. Below are a few photos from this summer and the O-Team!

 

Lessons from the Past

Soon I will be hearing the tune, the birthday tune that is. I will be turning 30 at the end of this month. Wow, it does not seem like I should be 30 years old. LOL how did I get so old so quickly? But over those years I have learned a lot. As I look over my experiences in those years, I see I have learned many valuable lessons. Below are 30 lessons I have learned so far . . .

1.       I am fearfully and wonderfully made and loved by God.

2.       Jumping on a couch during your childhood, could lead to a cracked head.

3.       Do not chase pets into unknown territory, unless you want a permanent scar.

4.       Don’t wear pink underwear under your white t-ball pants.

5.       Despite what your mom says, never perm your bangs.

6.       Remember to always take time to spin, sing and blow bubbles.

7.       Be sure to always watch out for stop signs hiding behind trees.

8.       “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

9.       Honesty is always the best policy.

10.   Never give out your phone number to Duck Hunters while driving on Highway 36.

11.   Don’t ask people, “how does that make you feel” if you are not ready to answer the same question.

12.   Boots are perfect for all seasons.

13.   Say yes to life. Each experience can show you something new about yourself.

14.   Don’t own other people’s crazy. But own yours J

15.   Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

16.   If you are questioning whether a guy is asking you out, know he is asking you out.

17.   Don’t compare any aspect of yourself or your life to anyone else’s.

18.   How can anything be wrong with me? I’m God’s creation!

19.   A large amount of diet coke late at night leads to Crazy Kelly.

20.    Life can be hard, mean and unfair. But I’m going to make it.

21.   My parents may not always agree with me, but they will ALWAYS love me.

22.   You don’t have to have the same DNA to be family.

23.   Texas girls do have more fun. J

24.   I am beautiful in multiple ways and so are you!

25.   Smile and make it work.

26.   Friendship is not defined by the number of text or phone calls or even your zip code. But on shared memories, laughter and trust.

27.   Tomorrow always brings the opportunity to become the person you want to be.

28.   Despite how carefully you walk, sometimes you are going to tumble.

29.   Girls really do want to have fun!

30.   Time continues to go by faster and faster. Do all you can to live each day to its fullest.