Mystery Readers

Though I am almost at 400 followers (which by the way, a giveaway will ensue when I do!), I do not think I fully realize who actually reads my blog on a consistent basis. I have thought about going private several times, but what's the fun in that? I am not trying to hide anything and I enjoy writing. I have been blogging since August 2008 and it's been a wild ride ever since. So, if people find that they like to read about my life, then have at it!

However, being public does mean that I cannot always share what I want to share or give news until it is final. Sometimes I want to shout things from the rooftops, but I know that if certain people read it, it may not be a good thing. I know that word spreads like wildfire, so sometimes I do keep my thoughts contained until the right time, or sometimes I just don't share them at all. So, I do keep it moderated to an extent.

Being public also means that I have mystery readers -- you know what I am talking about...the ones that don't follow and the ones that don't comment but they read it like it's their edition of US Weekly for the week. It's flattering, honestly, that someone would care so much about what I am doing or how I am feeling to care to read my thoughts of the day or events in my life.

I love getting emails or Facebook messages from people I have known forever who read my blog. I think its so sweet and encouraging that they would be interested in what I am doing. It also surprises me because, a.) I wonder how they found it! and b.) I didn't know they cared to read it! But I guess that comes with the territory of having a blog.

So, I wanted to say hello today to my mystery readers. I have a good idea who some of you are....or at least I think I do. I know there are many that I don't know.... but there are many I do know.

All my life I have been under a microscope. Being the granddaughter of a pastor of one of the largest churches in America had its pros and cons. Pro - that I can handle being critiqued. Con -that I never know who may be watching. That carries over into my blog here because I know many are watching and reading that I have no clue are doing it. It only fuels my inner hope that I will be a witness for the Lord in what I do, what I say, what I am, and how I handle situations.

My grandfather, "Poppy", as I call him tweeted last weekend..."My granddaughter, Brittney....she's going places." I smiled when I read it. Not only because I think he is the coolest person ever, but because what he says is true. He believes in me, so why shouldn't I believe in myself? I am going places. The things I have been able to accomplish in my young twenties are things that not many people will have the opportunity to do. I have been blessed with great career opportunities -- though, a lot of pressure, it is definitely nothing I cannot handle. I am excited to write my book. Will people read it? I don't know...I hope so. I hope God can use what I write to make an impact. I hope it takes me places I never knew I would be going.

I'm going places....and followers that I know and mystery readers who I don't know... thanks for following my journey.

My Buddy for the Weekend

What a rainy weekend we had in Virginia! I was excited to dog-sit this little guy -- his name is Buddy and we had a lot of fun this weekend! He followed me all around the apartment and slept with me at night. He was such a treat to have!

I am not feeling good at all today and am working from home. Days like this would be nice to have someone to take care of me, but hey, I guess this is independence at its finest! We have been hanging out this morning, but the sun is starting to peek out, so I may go for a little drive downtown and get a cupcake from my favorite cupcake shop in town!

I have been very busy the past few weekends, so it was nice to have a low-key weekend. I have a packed schedule for April and spring weather is right around the corner!

Weekend

I can hardly believe it is already coming on the end of March. Just seems like we were celebrating Christmas yesterday. I was planning some things into my calendar this morning before church and saw this verse. Even though I experienced something extremely hurtful, I do still have a reason to smile each morning. I am constantly reminded that God knows my every move and He is in the background tweaking everything to work out the way He wants it to. He knows my next move...He knows where I will be...I am continually trusting in Him to guide my steps and open up doors in His timing.

No, we did not buy matching dresses! haha! But it sure was fun to try on dresses for our D.C. trip in April. We packed 4 girls in one dressing room-- it was a riot!

One of my sweet friends Ellie and I after church on Sunday

My Poppy came into town to speak at our church Sunday and we went to dinner at a fantastic restaurant Saturday night. We did not plan to match! I picked him up before dinner and we laughed at how we were both in the burnt orange color!

I sure am enjoying driving my previous car! It has much better gas mileage and it's so fun to zip around town. These are the shoes I got Saturday.... Have I mentioned before that J.Crew is my favorite store? Yes, I think I have! I wear a ton of black, so these will go with a lot. Love them.

Out shopping Saturday with Nikki. She is seriously one of my best friends.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Project

Without going into very many details, I do want to share that I am in the early stages of a big project that has been on my heart. If you follow me on twitter, I mentioned it about a week ago. It will probably take a good bit of time to complete, but I have been encouraged by so many people to take on this opportunity.

Let the creative juices flow.... and let the hand of the Lord use me in this project.

Below is a picture of my grandparents and my sister. My sweet "mema" has called me almost everyday, sometimes twice per day. I was moved today during my commute at how thankful I am for my family. The are fantastic. I get to see my "Poppy"this weekend and I am so excited! He is preaching at my church and we are going to dinner Saturday night. This is a picture from this past Thanksgiving in Atlanta.

Weight Loss Journey

Hi All! Hope you are having a good week. I am getting plugged back into the office and have been catching up on all I missed while I was in Orlando.

As you know, weight loss and management has been a topic on my blog for a few months now with me popping in every now and again with an update on my journey as well as Fitness Friday posts. I hopped on the scale this morning after my shower and saw what I have been wanting to see! 20 pounds gone! I have lost 20 pounds since last summer and I feel great. My clothes are fitting the way I want them to (well, with the exception of jeans -- may need to get new ones!) and I just feel better all around.

I did not lose the weight based on any fad diets and I did not have (gasp) a gym membership the entire time. What?! Is probably what you are thinking. It just goes to show you how complicated the world makes losing weight, when really, it is a very simple concept. Calories in, Calories out. I did not have a gym membership because I wanted to save money, so I opted for running outside or busting out my favorite fitness DVD sessions, like the Biggest Loser Cardio Max or The Shred. It can be done on a little budget. You don't have to buy hundreds of dollars worth of healthy groceries either. Meal planning is key.

**Please note that my ultimate priority is not my physical shell -- but my inward heart. God blessed me with a body to maintain and I intend to take good care of it, but my greatest joy is always working on the inside of me instead of the out. I know women put such pressure on their outward appearance, and I do believe it is a topic worth discussing, but true joy and contentment does come from within.**

Okay, that was my little disclaimer!

This is a topic that I am passionate about because I want to use my journey to help inspire others who are trying to get and keep weight off. I was certified by the AFPA for two years as an aerobic instructor during college and was exposed to many workshops and educational tools. Please, if you have any questions at all, feel free to ask!

Sunday Night Capital Grille

We had dinner tonight with several reps from Adidas at the Capital Grille Orlando. I had a steak which is rare for me, (I tend to order chicken usually), and it was so very good! I had intended on staying in tonight and chill in my room, but plans changed and I am glad they did! I definitely will need to start running again after all of these late dinners!

Totally snuck in this picture at the table -- ha!

Weekend in Orlando

I left Friday morning at 5:30 (woke up at 3:45) for a work trip to Orlando! Being that this is my first trade show experience, I was not sure what to expect. I have had a blast! Orlando is sunny and beautiful! I have met some really nice people and it's been fun to hang out around Orlando at night after working during the day. I am worn out by the time I get to bed (which by the way, feels like Heaven!) I still have a few more days here so it should be fun. This hotel is great. Each evening they have live jazz music playing pretty late and people are out and about.

Airport outfit at 4:30 a.m. Notice the Diet Dr Pepper can so early! Yes, I drink them around the clock.

Packed a swimsuit! It was the first item in the suitcase.

Other packing

Very comfortable hotel room and a big King bed...although I find myself curling up on one little end piece of it. haha!

Dinner at Season 52

Pool

Night outfit 1

Night outfit 2

Big day tomorrow -- being on my feet for 10 hours straight....whew, maybe I will book a massage when I get home this week. Have a great Sunday tomorrow -- wish I could be at church, but I will be praising the Lord in my heart while working.

Okay, I think I will head down to the hot tub now...!

Night all!

Weekend

I had a great weekend thanks to my good friends, Jen and Dave! They came into town and we had a great time! Friday night kicked off with dinner at Robin Alexander's restaurant downtown and then a trip to Barnes & Noble. Saturday was absolutely beautiful so we loaded up in my bug and zipped downtown and got a cupcake and drove around. That night, we went to dinner with friends and then to see Alice in Wonderland 3D. Sunday we went to church where I heard the most wonderful sermon. I think that sermon was written just for me! We had an Oscar party that night from 6-midnight and ate lots of good food! Here are some pictures!

I also took down my vlog from last week. It had over 600 views and that was beginning to freak me out! ha! Those who needed/wanted to see it were able to and that is all that matters.

Freelance & Friends

Good Afternoon! I got some exciting news yesterday -- I was given my first freelance job opportunity for a popular magazine in my area of Virginia. I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity. It will be published in the May/June issue and you better believe I will post pictures of it when I have the published magazine in my hand. Just another notch that I get to mark off on my career goals.

The support I have received is unbelievable as my family and friends have rallied around me in prayer and love. I have also found comfort in another unexpected place/person. I ultimately have found my comfort and peace in the Lord, as I mentioned on my vlog a few days ago. It has been viewed over 400 times (which I find crazy!). It continues to amaze me at the interest people have taken in my life. Thank you for all your support!

This all stinks, don't get me wrong, but I am choosing to view it as a blessing in disguise and a new unexpected change in life. Where will I go? What new friends will I meet when I get to move? Maybe my husband will be there?! Who knows. All I know is that the Lord has a perfect plan for my life and I cannot wait to find out what He has in store for me.

Thank You

Just a 'thank you' to everyone for your support. All the glory and honor to the Lord.