Vacation Recap........Redefining My Priorities

Last week, Matt and I headed to the beach for a little R and R, and of course lots of sleep and sun were in our plans too!  We both have been going in two different directions for the past several months, and really needed some time just to relax, talk, and honestly just spend time together. 

The week was filled with lots of time sitting and relaxing on the beach, followed by delicious dinners, shopping, and bed by 10ish!  Honestly, every day was like the day before, except we changed our dinner location and added a game of putt-putt one night.  LOL!!

In all honestly, vacations like these are sooooo good for my soul.  They help me get back to being "me," not the Kim that is stressed out 24/7 and addicted to work.  Weeks off like this help me realize what my true priorities are, and remind me of the amazing relationships I have in my life.  

I spent a couple of days writing, and one afternoon I listed in order my priorities in my life and ways I needed to improve those areas in my life.  My overall priority, and the one that explains who I am and my purpose in life is my relationship with Jesus.  If that is not first, then everything is upside down.  And, lately my relationship with the Lord has taken a back seat to a lot of things in my life, which equals everything feeling like it was turned upside down. 

I then moved onto the key relationships in my life, and filled 5+ pages of my journal listing the close relationships that fill my life.  From my amazing husband, Matt, who is simply my rock and my soul mate, to my amazing parents, my loving In-Laws and Jamie and Kristy, to my amazing best friends and even a couple of friends who I still consider BFFs even though we don't talk as often. 

I was blown away that I spend 99% of my time focusing on work, when in reality its my hubby, family, and best friends that fill up 99% of my heart.  This gal honestly got a realty check, and a good one.  I must figure out how to discipline myself to spend time and show love to my friends and family more.  Taking time to call them, write letters, send gifts, visit, etc. is simply a must in my life.  I know it will richly bless me, and help me get my "priorities" back in line with what it truly important. 

And, don't get my wrong, I absolutely LOVE and ADORE my job, I just needed a little "reality" check to get it in balance, so in the long run I will be more successful at both relationships and in my career. 

All and All it was a wonderful vacay.  With some amazing memories made, and life lessons learned.  

I will post pics soon.  Blogger has been acting up, and not letting me upload pics.  :-( 

Have a great week!!

Friendships...........

I have always been blessed to have amazing friendships with some incredible ladies in my life. However, as I get older, and been through some tough times in life, and I've learned what it is to be a good friend. Being selfless, giving, loving, patient, compassionate kind, etc. are keys to forming lasting friendships. 

And, over the last few months I have been soooo blessed to have formed some new friendships, and because I do not open up to very many people, these friendships are very special to my heart.  And, as I browsed around Pinterst recently, I found some incredible sayings that just made me smile and really count my blessings in the amazing friendships (old and new) I have in life. 

 

 LUV!! 

#LifePhilosophy

 

#justsay'n

Random Happiness Thought........

These weeks just fly by!  I kept thinking today was Tuesday, and didn't notice till around lunch its was Thursday!!  Too much!! Things are going really well; however, I have to make myself STOP during the week and really appreciate all the good stuff that is going on in my life. 

I love this saying because it is sooo true!  There are moments in everyday that I put so much pressure on myself  to be soooo perfect that I forget that life is truly a journey about growing and developing into a better version of me. 

These type of reminders make me smile, bring peace, and make me happy, because it truly makes me appreciate how far I have come and to accept the journey in how far I have to go.

So true!!  

Well Hello There.............

I was talking to my mom last night, and she sweetly asked what happened to my blog?  I  quickly laughed and said it had been a couple of days since I've updated, and reminded me it had been over 2 week!!  What???  In the last 10 years of blogging, I don't think I have ever taken 2 weeks off!! 

What in the world??

My life can be summed up by one word - WORK!!  I am sooooo lucky to have found a job I LOVE, has been little time for life. 

And, to be honest I cannot imagine my life any other way.  I know that in this season in my life, my days and nights are consumed with my career, and I am good with that!!  My boss sent me this reminder over the weekend, and this is our goal in 2013.  #goodstuff

Now, to catch you up on my life, here are a few fun pics of the last two weeks!!

 

Our Incredible Marketing Team!!!  #bestteamever!!!

 

Katherine, Leanna, and I at KAMA Honors!!

 I soooo have to stop doing this!!

Celebrating South Fest!!  

A rare Family Night In - My Hubby and "Our Boys"

Speaking of family, I got the opportunity to head home of the weekend to celebrate my sweet soon-to-be Sis-In-Law Wedding Shower!!  I had the best time, and LOVED being surrounded with so much LOVE!!

 

Celebrating the "Queen Bee" Kristy

Everything was Yellow and Black Themed!!

 

My Three Moms!!

My Mother-in-Law, My Church Mom, and My Sweet Mom!

 Two of my favorite ladies.......

#myheart

My Brother-In-Law and My Mother-In-Law

Jamie & Emma

After the shower, I headed back to Knoxville Saturday night, and early Sunday, we decided when we woke up that we wanted to have brunch at the Biltmore.  Kristy and Jamie took care of all the details, and we headed to Asheville to meet up with them.  We had an incredible brunch at Biltmore,  hiked several miles around the park looking at the tulips, and toured the winery before heading back to Knoxville for a relaxing Sunday night. 

 The Three Loves of My Lfe.........#myfamily

 Tulips!!! #amazing

 Biltmore Brunch!

 Amazing Sunday!!

 Hiking the Grounds 

 My Bro-In-Law......

 Hiking the Grounds!

 Loved these Dogwood Trees!!

 Hubby on the Hiking Trail

 Matt and "Henry"

 

More Hiking!!

 

 Had An Incredible Time!! 

All in all, these last two weeks have been AWESOME!!  As for this week, its another mad pace, but I love it.  We are hosting some national writers in town this weekend, and its always fun to show visitors and journalists around Knoxville.  There are so many exciting and fun things to do here, that its always fun letting people experience all the variety our city has to offer. 

Have a wonderful week!!  

LUV!!

One Fun Night.............

Its April! I'm in Knoxville! And, that could only mean one thing.........DOGWOOD!! The official start of the Dogwood Arts Festival kicked off this week with one of my FAVORITE events, the Rhythmn 'N Blooms Music Festival took over downtown this wknd! Tons of venues in downtown Knoxville are filled with music all weekend, and one of my all time favorite co-workers was playing last night so we had to go and support. 

We kicked off the evening at Crown & Goose, followed by Boyd's Jig and Reel, a quick pass through at Barley's, an unforgettable Trolley Ride, Latitude 35, and a fun end to our night in Market Square. 

And, of course I caught some fun pics to capture the night..........

 

Brent Kicking Off Our Evening!  He is such a fantastic musician....check out his website to see where he will be playing next!!

 Our Group Supporting BT!!  

And, our new friends Nick and Kitty (And, Nick's rents!)

Group Shot - Laney, Scott, Kim B., and Leanna

Laney and Leanna - Posing at Boyd's

So many good times!!

We wear our Sunglasses at Night!!

Laney, Kim B., and me!

And, honestly.........two of my favorite ladies! 

Hard to see everyone, but we were having an awesome time at Latitude 35!

Awesome night of Music and Laughter!!!

Okay now for the OUTTAKES............We seriously laughed all night and I love all the memories that are filled in the following pics!! 

Trying to get "picture ready!"

I am not sure if she is giving me a sign, waving, or counting........LOL!

 Leanna's Face is almost too much! 

Our new friends being photo bombed!!

 LOL!

Its Illegal for me to say what is happening here..........

 but noticed Scott moved to the other side while KB can't hold it together! HA!! 

No Words!

 What a Fun Night!  

Have a great week!