Dirty 30...? I think not.

This weekend embarks a huge milestone in my life.  My 30th birthday is Sunday.  I've mentioned my excitement for this day because a new era begins.  I have accomplished so much in my 30 years; I'm really quite proud of myself.   I have received my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy and am certified as a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR).  I am an alumni member of Western Michigan University and of Delta Zeta National Sorority. I have received my 2nd degree black belt from Tae Kwon Do.  I am a bride to my husband of 1 year.  I am an aunt to 2 very special nieces.  So much more, but I think these are the most important accomplishments.

In my school age years, I became boy crazy and had my first boyfriend in Kindergarten.  I met my best friend Lesley. I liked playing house with cousin Lauri and enjoyed endless sleepovers with her, playing our favorite fantasy world games. Junior High School, I enjoyed expressing myself in fashion and in my interests.  There is where I met my future husband.  High school welcomed new friendships and extra curricular activities.  Occupational Therapy became my passion in 9th grade. College went, boyfriends and friends came and gone, but one thing is for certain...my life is exactly where is should be. Thank you Jesus!

My next 30 years I hope to start a family, move and experience all I can in my career field.  God has blessed me with a beautiful life and I am ever greatful!

Cheers to the next 30,
Angela <3 <3

Wishful Wednesday

Tony Soprano said it best when he said, "Everyday is a gift."  Every morning you wake is a good day.  At night when you lay down to sleep in a warm bed, it is a blessing. When I become bored, I focus on the negative. For 4 years I have studied and focused on my test and studies.  Now that it is over, I find myself searching for something else to perfect. Negativity has no place in my house.  Satan has no place in my house...so get behind me and take all the negative with you. 

After confessing my sins to the Priest, I felt really good.  Some inner turmoil I'm dealing with...but there's always Good News. God gave us his only Son so we could have free will and forgiveness for our sins. He forgives.    Ask, and you shall receive.  Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and the door will be open to you. I saw this vision after leaving Church...

Thank you God for sending me this message, this gift.  You are the Mostly Holy.  Thank you for blessing me and my family.  We are forever at Your service.

Today I wish that peace and love reign over my soul, as I am purging negativity and drama. What is your wish?

Angela <3 <3

Focus on the Present

This blog is meant to be uplifting, for myself and others.  All negative emotions have been deleted.

Fantastic Voyage

As part of my personal growth on this blog-tastic journey, I decided to put all eating issues aside, and more importantly mental drama regarding food.  But there is something to be said about being accountable for what I put in my mouth.  As of late, I have had no regard what type of sweets, junk or anything unhealthy I eat.  This becomes a habit of "I don't care right now."  I do care and I always will.

1 Corinthians 6:19-29 says, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." Junk equals junk of the Spirit.  A high percentage of women use negative self talk about their bodies on a daily basis.  Let's look in the mirror and love ourselves for every inch of God's perfection...that's YOU!

I plan to return to my disciplined eating habits and incorporate exercise into my daily routine to keep my girlish figure.  What a concept! Eat well and move more ;)  I don't own a scale, which will cease bad feelings and boo hoo moments. My goal is lose enough weight to fit into my old jeans, which I own like 15 pair...so this will help save money too!

Cheers to Healthy Living,
Angela

Stop and Smell the Roses

An A-ha moment...I just love those.  I have many neuroses and  I am completely aware of all of them. The advice I am seeking regarding my job came crystal clear on my own.  Just shut up Angela!  I am not practicing good carpe diem.  Opening my eyes to what is going on today is what I need. Here I go again not appreciating what I have.  What a theme in my life...I need to squash it! It is good to be driven and motivated, but I perseverate on what to do next. I am doing the opposite of what I should be doing..enjoying the moment!   I have plenty of time to sit and relax and prep my resume for the next venture. 

In the meantime, I will go to work (on time haha), and provide the best service I can for my students.  I will continue to build the program so the next therapist will be set. God's plan is beginning to unfold and patience is a virtue.

Happy Friday everyone,
Angela xx <3<3

Cat's out...part deux

Any feedback is accepted on what I should do.  Am I selfish for feeling this way?

Thanks loves...

Cat's Out of the Bag

The secret is out.  My boss asked if I was looking for another job and I said yes.  I'm still very torn because I love my job, love the people and especially love the Mission and Values of this nearly 100 year school.  I attended a training yesterday and it always reminds me how wonderful this place really is.  Everyone working here wants to be there and it shows.

I am nervous about my transition and job searching for the best fit for me.  I have recruiters on hand, but I would like to find a replacement therapist to train so I don't leave them "high and dry."  The company has been extremely good to me; I want to show my gratitude. 

I hate to go but I need to be compensated.  I travel 185 miles a day, and have been for 2 1/2 years.  That's about $500 a month in gas.  There are no raises. When it comes down to it, I just can't afford the travel, my car can't afford the wear and tear.  It reminds me of the episode of Sex and the City where Charlotte didn't sign the prenup because she felt she was worth more.  That's how I feel, and feel bad about that.  But honestly, I didn't go to college for 6 years, take my test 7 x and be up to my ears in student loans, and travel 3 hours daily...you get my drift.  I am worth more! WE WANT PRENUP... WE WANT PRENUP lol

I am completely gracious for the opportunity but God please lead me down the path that I am supposed to be on.  Please help me find a replacement to make this a smooth transition.  He will show me the way...

Xoxo,
Angela

Tapping into my inner Design Star

Life is Good.  God is Good.  He is the center of my being and I couldn't be happier.  I want to hold onto this feeling forever!  I have a horrible pattern of finding something else to worry about...no more!

This week's project is painting our bedroom.  I'm thinking a rich tan almost brown color would do well for the space.  It would match our comforter sets, which we have multiple!  We can not replace any furniture at the present time but we will make it work.  I envision a calm, serene, relaxing bedroom with my Picasso and Van Gogh painting on the wall. I'd like to have two identical ornate mirrors over each night stand. Maybe I can find a hidden treasure on craiglist.  A thick curtain to block out all sunlight so hubby can sleep during the day as he works midnights.  I wish I could learn grandma's sewing machine so I can make them!  That will be next on my to-do list.

So that means cramming our wall art, picture frames, memorabilia into the spare bedroom.  That's okay because I don't have to use it for studying anymore!!!! Sorry if the news is becoming old news but I still so super excited and I should be :) Moving furniture isn't hard.  Hiding away "stuff" for the time being isn't a big deal.  Now our clothes...that's a project in itself.  We have 3 closets, 3 dressers, 1 wardrobe, 2 plastic drawers that transitioned with me from college all filled with clothes throughout the house.  A little much, ya think.  Organizing, purging, donating, getting ready for fall/winter is the task.  I've found that my female students could benefit from my hand me downs.  They rarely get new clothes.  Rob has done well with his and contributed a lot of his clothes to the neighbor kids.

We still plan on moving, but as of right now we are at a stand still.  God has plans for us and will put us on the right path towards whatever that may be.  There are potential jobs in the works, or a possiblity of carrying out my purpose at the present job. Only time will tell.   I am learning to let go of worry, fear and anxiousness about our future and let Him do the work.  Jeremiah 29:11!

Happy Tuesday,
Angela

Weekend of Bliss

This past weekend I attended the Ripple Retreat.  I must admit I was a little hesitant but when I arrived and everyone was so welcoming, I knew I was supposed to be there.  We braved the cold weather, tried to ignore the swarming bees, and listened with love to the word of God.  Our leader described her vision and how it came to.  This retreat couldn't have been cuter!  We had good eats, prayer groups, yoga and meditation along with a wonderful band and a philanthropic project.  Yes outsiders might view this as being a tad bizarre but I didn't care.  There is magic in numbers praying together.  I met a new friend Tracie, which I am excited to speak to again.  There was an Occupational Therapist so I picked her brain for a bit. It was worth it to me to attend.  The purpose was to bring forth a "mountain" to move and of course my mountain to move was my test.  But thank God that I have moved it already!  My new mountain is to continue to be thankful for what I have, continue to be blessed in my marriage and welcome  new opportunities that are planned for us.

Each of use received a bracelet with Jeremiah 29:11 on it which states: 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. This speaks to the fact that God has a plan for each one of us.  I knew He did for my passing. Even though it took longer than I expected, it still came to pass.  This was His plan for me.  Everything works out of the good, no matter how difficult the situation may be.  Faith, love, strength and prayer works indeed.

I must congratulate Kristin for her engagement!! She has faced adversity in her days, but according to Jeremiah 29:11, He had a plan for her and always did.  I'm so happy for her!!! :)

Hubby and I celebrated our Anniversary this weekend. September 18th!  We have a nice dinner and spent some time with our families.  Our big celebration happened in Texas and New Orleans during our vacation time.  So on Sunday, we celebrated the Lions big win!!

It feels so good not to wake up and think, "I have to study."  No more! I am soo happy.  It was nice to sleep in a little this weekend.

Have a Great Monday everyone,

Angela Johnson, MS, OTR

Happy Anniversary

1 year ago, I married this man, Rob Johnson. It was the happiest day of my life.  I remember being completely calm and stress free, which everyone knows is rare ;).  All the anxiety went away as I was getting ready for the big day.  I walked down the isle, afraid I might fall down the stairs or cry my makeup away.  When I saw him looking at me with a tinkle in his eyes, I knew this was it. He whispered to me, "You look gorgeous," as I stood next to him.  I remember sitting down as our Priest began his homily, and thinking that I needed to be closer to him, so I inched my chair closer to hold his hand. Here we are a year later and I still feel the magic, but only stronger. 

Let me tell you about this man.  I have never known a greater soul than his.  He will help others in time of need for whatever reason.  He will go out of his way to make things better for people. He believes in good karma and finding the good in others.  He loves me with all his heart.  He calls me his queen and says that a "happy wife is a happy life."  Good man haha :) Our bond is magnetic.  We pull together when things are tough.  We have the Lord on our side during times of trouble. We have each other and sometimes I feel the rest of the world melts away.  It's just him and I.

I am totally, completely, crazy in love with this man.

Happy 1 year my love,
Angela

Halleluiah Halleluiah!

Today is a great day for myself, family and friends whom have been supporting me throughout my journey.  I PASSED!!!!!!!!!! Whoo Hoo...I was in shock when I found out, like "someone pinch me!" But the news is true.  The good Lord has answered my prayers.  Thank you Thank you!

From the family :)

I am looking forward to freedom to do whatever I want.  I can finally put the books away.  I can stop being depressed.  This is a new era.  The door has opened to many many possibilities and opportunities.  My family is so proud.  I am so proud of myself.  Only I could do it.  No matter how much I complained, was angry and depressed and blah blah blah...I did it. No one can ever take this away from me. My ultimate goal and dream is here.  I will continue to enrich people's lives and be the best I can be because I don't give up.  NEVER give up on your dream.

Of course my immediate reaction is...what's next?  My hubby is so proud of me.  He has been a great support.  He wants me to just enjoy the moment and RELAX.  Life will come about, just like it always does.  But I can't help to think about all the fun "me time" projects I get to start.  Knitting, scrap booking, organizing, whatever :)

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and support.  I could have never done this without you!

A thousand times thank you,
Angela

Mood forecast: Blah

I'm ready to move on with my life.  In the meantime, I play the waiting game.  I put on a smile and remain strong. Dear God, everything is in your hands.  Its your will.  Let Go and Let God, they say.  I want to very badly. That's why this blog is called Sweet Surrender. Surrendering is what I need to do and be less depressed for things I can't change. Grant me the serenity. Please help lift my spirits. Have mercy on me.

I believe,
Angela

Why so Serious?

Let's lighten the mood around here.  Call it a case of the Monday blues, or a lingering hangover from the wedding or whatever...I need some easy breeziness.

Here's some fun facts about me:

1. I enjoy reading classic novels like Hemingway and Emily Bronte
2. I love all kinds of music from classical to R & B to classic rock
3. I forgive easily but may hold onto the anger for quite sometime
4. I can't wait to meet Jim Morrison in the afterlife
5. My favorite Saint is St. Therese
6. Robert Redford turns me on
7. My mood varies day to day, hence women are like roller coasters
8. I am easily distracted but choose to be on occasion
9. I like to drink wine and clean my entire house when my husband is not around
10. I have way too many belongings and am working on purging the unnecessary
11. I'm a survivor, no matter how much emotional baggage I carry around, I make it through.
12. My favorite time of the year is Fall- comfy clothes, decorations, my birthday
13. I have been practicing Yoga for 13 years
14. Art Therapy is one of my coping skills
15. I have been journaling since I was 7 years old
16. I am proud that my husband and I's parents have been married for over 30 years separately
17. I like to learn more about Football.  Cool wives like football.
18. I can't say no to cookies
19. I love the 80's- Dynasty reruns, music
20. I look forward to my 30th birthday and am excited for a new era to begin!

Thank you for sharing with me this blog.  I love you all.

XX <3 <3
Angela

Grass is greener or Opportunity knocks...?

Everytime a visitor, a parent or consultant comes to visit our school, they are impressed with the Sensory Integration Room in which I designed.  "You must feel blessed to work here..."  "Wow, this is a great space." Nothing but wonderful things everyone says as they enter my 1000 square feet office and treatment room.

Why can't I be in love with Sensory Integration?  Do I force myself to love it? Am I ungrateful for this opportunity?  Absolutely not.  I can not help my passion for other fields and populations.  I heard an OT say that the job doesn't pick the OT, but the OT picks the job.  There are so many populations, treatment settings and roles an OT can have.  Which one is right for me??

Maybe I should just stop. Stop thinking of what if and just be.

For Better or for Worse, for Richer, for Poorer, in Sickness and in Health

My friend was married this weekend.  It was a beautiful wedding and she was a beautiful bride.  It turned out to be a beautiful day, thank God.

Let's take a moment to pray for all married couples that they may be blessed with a long happy life and stick together through all life's challenges.

XX <3 <3

Wish Upon A Star

Do you have song you turn to for inspiration or motivation?  Or every hear a song that lifts your spirits to no end?!  Today I heard Mariah Carey's Make it Happen and it made me shed a tiny tear.  I put this song up on my MySpace account (when myspace was popular haha) after I graduated the Masters Program at WMU.  Today I feel the same passion as I did back then and keep reaching for my dreams, no matter how long I have to struggle. 

Sing along...you know the melody :)

Not more than three short years ago
I was abandoned and alone
Without a penny to my name
So very young and so afraid
No proper shoes upon my feet
Sometimes I couldn't even eat
I often cried myself to sleep
But still I had to keep on going
Never knowing if I could take it
If I would make it through the night
I held on to my faith
I struggled and I prayed
And now I've found my way

Chorus:
If you believe in yourself enough
And know what you want
You're gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)
And if you get down on your
knees at night
And pray to the lord
He's gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)

I know life can be so tough
And you feel like giving up
But you must be strong
Baby just hold on
You'll never find the answers
if you throw your life away
I used to feel the way you do
Still I have to keep going
Never knowing if I could take it
If I would make it through the night
I held on to my faith
I struggled and I prayed
And now I've finally found my way
Chorus

I once was lost
But now I'm found
I got my feet on solid ground
Thank you Lord
If you believe within your soul
Just hold on tight
And don't let go
You can make it happen
(Make it happen)


Make your dreams and goals happen today!

<3
Angela

True Colors

Friends. A season, a reason or a lifetime.  When did life become about everyone else?  As far as my husband and I are concerned, those days are over.  We no longer care about what people think or say or do.  We mind our own business and expect the same respect from others. We are moving on with our lives in a new exciting direction.  OUR FUTURE!

Gossip is poison.  Don't choke on it.

Shoo fly don't bother me

I have pesky fruit flys in my kitchen.  Here's what I found to help stop the lil buggers:

Trap them!

Materials

One medium sized jar with lid - or - one drinking glass/bowl and some plastic wrap

Hammer and nail

1/2 cup beer

1). Punch a series of holes in the lid using nail or awl. Make them big enough to allow the fly in, but not so big that it will be easy for them to escape.
2). Fill the container with about a half cup of beer, or to whatever fills the container halfway. If you'd rather not use beer, try fruit juice or apple cider vinegar. (Though beer is more effective than the other options) Update: Adding a single drop of dishwashing liquid breaks the surface tension on the liquid, resulting in an immediate drown and no swarming around inside the trap. (Thanks, Mo!)
3). Screw on the lid, then take to the place where they flies are a-hovering...your fruit bowl, pantry, etc. Move any other sweet smelling things to a different location (like the refrigerator), making sure no fruit flies have hitched a ride.

4). Wait. Overnight, the flies will smell the beer, and eventually fly in. They'll hover around above the liquid, eventually falling in and drowning. Every few days, pour out the flies and some of the liquid, and add more to give it a fresh odor. Repeat as necessary.

Problem solved :)

FOR SALE

Who thought it was a good idea to move next to a grandmother and the parents?!  Not a single soul out there would agree that was a good idea!  Certainly not me.  Who thinks its OK to yell out there door in the most screeching voice to get my attention?  Excuse me that I don't come to your beck and call.  It's completely rude and I don't answer to such annoyances. I should stop here before I become ugly and hurtful.

What can we do?  We owe money on a house, we love actually, but our surrounding neighbors make it difficult to be private.  One of us has to go...us or them.  I'm sick of it, I'm sick of it, I'm sick of it.

What are our options??? Does anyone have a clue as what we can do!?

Help,
Angela

Depressive eating habits

My grandmother in law asked if I was pregnant by the looks of my pants and top. Not only is it not true but it's completely rude!  I'm sure she is just anticipating the news of our expecting, as am I, but how come some elder folk feel its OK to say whatever they want?!   I do love her and smile and listen to all her "words of wisdom" like a good granddaughter in law. Nonetheless, this is not very good for my self esteem granny

To tell you the truth, I have been eating chocolate and goodies lately, like everyday.  Sweet tooth maybe, but I think it's because I'm stressed.  I'm not one of the people that stops eating, rather I justify that I deserve that Snickers or cookie when feeling stressed. Yuck! My weight watcher account would not approve.  I can't shake the feeling of exhaustion for my current situation, the monkey on my back, my nemesis...the inevitable.

I talked to my boss about it.  I love her!!  She's the kinda of elderly woman that doesn't say whatever she is thinking.  She is the kind of person you want to hug like your own grandmother (who doesn't say inappropriate things). I explained to her that I've been questioning God and she feels that is counterproductive.  God isn't doing this to me. He has a plan and purpose for my journey.  She stopped asking why her only grandchild was born with kidney failure, heart failure and the need for feeding tubes.  I couldn't help but shed a tear for Boo Boo and feel stupid for my minnute problems. 

I couldn't sleep last night so I decided to open up my Bible.  Gus Lloyd on Catholic Radio SiruxXM plays Bible Roulette where he just opens a page at random.  I did that and came accross Psalm 31: 9-10 and 31:14-17

 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress;
   my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
   my soul and body with grief.
¹⁰ My life is consumed by anguish
   and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
   and my bones grow weak.

¹⁴ But I trust in you, LORD;
   I say, “You are my God.”
¹⁵ My times are in your hands;
   deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
   from those who pursue me.
¹⁶ Let your face shine on your servant;
   save me in your unfailing love.
¹⁷ Let me not be put to shame, LORD,
   for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
   and be silent in the realm of the dead.

Holy smokes did this hit home.  "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven"  I know it's true.  I know my time will come but my life is at a stand still.  For a libra who loves balance, my life very much unbalanced at this point.  Hobbies will have to be put on hold.  My body will have to suffer because I can't work out.  I get to fill my brain with even more knowledge of my area of focus until...it kills me....I can accept that I suppose. 

Hitting the books,
Angela