o - hollie - o

Its Been A Long Time...

2008-11-09T16:44:00.003-06:00

yes - we've already established...I'm a bad blogger. Its who I am. You either love me or you decide it is one of those things that you just can't live with.... I understand if you leave me for it...

So...that's actually a good idea for a blog - what are those things that you just can't live with in your friends - or for that matter - future 'mate' - what are the deal breakers?

Team Crazy!!!!!

2008-09-16T16:53:00.008-05:00

So - yes - many of you are aware - I am part crazy. And now I have found some friends who have joined my team. Yessssss!!!!!!!!

Just kidding - well - sort of. As stated below, I have started to work with Young Life and am LOVING it! I love these kids and I love being able to fully embrace the silly/crazy side of life. And there are others who like to partake in the fun too! So, last night - we had Main Event night with bowling and laser tag - so what better time to debut the new outfits? So - here is the craziness - love love love it!

Meet Team Crazy:

Audrey aka B - Dawg:

Kendall aka K - Dawg (fyi - this might be one of my favorite all time pics)

And me - aka HO - Dawg (initials people)

Here are some just funny shots to make you laugh -

Until next time....

Young Life

2008-08-26T16:50:00.010-05:00

So...we're back! School is officially back in session. And surprisingly, I am loving it. I fought coming back - wasn't ready for summer to end - but now that I'm back - I love it! I have some of the greatest kids! I have 3 sections of Algebra and 2 of 7th grade regular math - which makes me happy!

Kendall & me on the first day of school -

Me & Abby - one of my former students who game to visit me after her first day of high school -

So, why title this blog Young Life? Well...not only am I starting to do Young Life and LOVE it - but I figure - that is what I'm kind of feeling. Like I'm in this young life. I think I have wisdom, but I don't. And that quickly gets pointed out to me. But I love that I still am young. Yes, 30 is young people! :-) Its so funny to me how I think I have things figured out, but am quickly reminded, whether through life experiences, friends, or God just screaming at me, I don't. But its good that I don't -

So Young Life - the organization - LOVE IT! Kendall and I had our first leadership retreat this weekend and it was so fun. I love the leaders and I am so excited about the ministry. We had the first event yesterday, and oh my goodness - it was amazing! So many of my kids were there from last year and I even got to bring 2 who I don't think have ever been exposed to Young Life. So fun! I'm just really excited to get to continue these relationships with my students that I spent 2 years with. Its going to be amazing! :)

Ok - here are some pics from the retreat and then the pool party yesterday - enjoy!

This is Kendall and me trying to make our swimsuits YL appropriate -

And here we are on the boat - trying to savor our tans...

Post Waterskiiing - yesssss!!!!

Kendall & me at the YL Pool Party

Me & Kaitlyn - one of new YL girls and favorites from the past 2 years!

Wildlife Adventure Tour

2008-08-02T18:33:00.004-05:00

Today has been just amazing....and when I say amazing, I mean amazing. The scenery and landscape that our God provides is breathtaking. I have never felt so small in all my life. Having the sun out today just put everything in a new light...literally. It was breathtaking and I loved it. We went on a wildlife adventure tour which was basically a zodiac boat taking us through the Canadian waters... I didn't know that something so beautiful (that wasn't Carribean) existed this close to America. And was so untouched. It just reminded me of what it must have been like at creation - all this nature that hasn't been destroyed by humans yet. It was beautiful. We were able to see some seals, and a few dolphins, but the true experience was watching these bald eagles feast on these fish that can't survive the whirlpools that happen once a day due to the tides. To see one bald eagle in the wild is an experience, but to see about 20 just soaring above your head is just breath taking. They were gorgeous. Anyways, below are some pics from the tour - some of the most beautiful sights I might have ever seen.

The last picture is of seals (they kind of blend in)

We come home tomorroww...will be a long day of traveling - so pray for me. I mean, we're getting up at 4 am and driving back to Victoria, taking a flight from Victoria to Seattle and then Seattle to Dallas. Will be a long day indeed. I'm excited to see all of my friends - and the pool. Its been a long week without y'all. :-)

No Fish For You - but here's a big whale and some amazing scenery!

2008-08-02T11:29:00.002-05:00

So yesterday was a little bit of a crazy - and busy day! We started off bright and early on a whale watching tour - on one of those little zodiac boats. So fun! But so cold! It was a dreary day and a little chilly so I got to come thaw myself out after - but it was so worth it. The scenery was just beautiful! We didn't see any Orcas (killer whales) but we did get to see a large hump back - and then we got to see some black bears (Go Blalack!). They were so much smaller than I had pictured, but were so cute. I wanted to grab one and put it in our little boat and take him home...however, I was advised that wasn't a good idea. We did see a few cubs and they were so playful.

The afternoon we went salmon fishing with no luck. :-( Oh well - it was a fun experience and I couldn't have asked for a better backdrop. God has been so good at putting some praise songs in my head as I sit and just stare at his glorious creation. It really is so beautiful.

Today we are heading out on a wildlife adventure tour which should be fun. What I'm most excited about is the fact that it is sunny! YESSSSSS!!!! I've been sitting on my balcony in my swimsuit top reading trying to soak up some rays. Pitiful I know. But like I said, the secnery is beautiful and this isn't a pool - so I'm still experiencing something new. :-)

Here are some pics from yesterday - I'll try and update today's later.... Hope we see some fun wildlife!

Miss you all!

The Fisherman's Lodge

2008-07-31T20:26:00.004-05:00

So - we're now at Campbell's River - which is I think the salmon fishing capitol of Victoria - I think - regardless - there is a lot of fishing going on here. We're staying at the Painter's Lodge which is a beautiful FISHING resort - I say that because this is one of the nicest resorts, however, is fully done in camping motiffe - its awesome. My room has a very 'log cabin' feel to it - definitely different from the Delta Pointe that we just stayed at. The view though is to die for - if only it would quit raining. And we have a pub in our hotel, which the fishermen apparently all come to after they've caught their fish....

Nothing too exciting to report for today - its kind of been a lazy day. We drove about 4 hours up here and I've just been relaxing. Tomorrow we have to be up early for our whale watching trip and then salmon fishing. Pray I don't fall off the boat - or freeze to death - which at this point is a real possibility.

Here are some scenic shots from Campbell River and our drive up here (notice how much of a tourist I look like - apparently I've bought a few souveniers)

And here is my hotel room...yessss - along with the view from my balcony -

Whale Watching 101

2008-07-30T18:13:00.003-05:00

Ok - so I know that title doesn't really make sense, because I'm not going to teach you how to whale watch - but I just liked it. So, I wrote it. :-)

Today was such an adventure - and COLD! Our God is so amazing and has such a creative eye. As I sad on the top deck of our boat as we were driving to the spot - I was just amazed at how beautiful and big our God is. I mean, he created all of this - it was beautiful. Granted, I started to not be able to feel my nose, so I had to go below, but that turned out to be pretty great too - bc our little skipper guy taught me some great new info about whales. The place we went to has 3 pods of killer whales - or families - and they really are like families. The pods were J, K, and L - and those members are only allowed to breed within those pods - so like a male from J can only 'date' a female from K or L - and vice versa. And once they breed, the males go back to their mommas and leave the female's pod to raise the calf. Which they all do - it was so interesting!

So....I didn't get the greatest pics - they're kinda hard to catch - but here are a couple that you can hopefully see them in - plus a few shots of the amazing scenery - and then a shot of me and my dad before we left. The picture doesn't show it, but I was shivering -

We leave for Campbell River tomorrow where we're going to Salmon fish, whale watch and go on some wildlife adventure tour - should be interesting!

I do love my wine...

2008-07-29T19:53:00.007-05:00

So today was our wine tour day - so fun! The weather was crappy - and I mean that - it was cold and drizzly all day, but I'm learning that every time I take a wine tour, that is what the weather does, so I'm pretty used to it. But we had so much fun! We were in this limo bus thing - probably holds about 12 people, but we just had 7 - me and my dad, and 5 women celebrating one of their birthdays. They were awesome. All about 50 with grown kids - and such fun personalities. It made the trip so fun bc they were HILARIOUS! And its nice to throw some new personalities into the mix....I mean, I love my dad, but when its just you and him for a few days, having some new friends can make all the difference! Plus, it made me excited to be grown up with my girl friends....and I can totally see doing that with my girls when I get older.

So - we toured 4 wineries, one big one, one cidery, and 2 small local wineries - and had our fair share to drink at each one of them. Fortunately, I've learned my limit so I knew when to pour out the wines and when to enjoy them...plus, why waste the tolerance on a wine I'm not crazy about? We drank a lot of dessert wines (ports - but you're not allowed to call them ports anymore unless they're from Portugal - I know - I learned something new too!) I'm not a fan of the dessert wines, but I did find one at the cidery that I loved - so that is one souvenier I got for myself...apparently its really good on waffles....ha - can you imagine? So - here are my pics for the day -

We're on our way to the tour - this is their Parlimant building - notice the hood - no, I'm not trying to go gangster - it was raining and this was all I had - I know, its a good look for me! :-)

This is supposed to be one of the most amazing views in Victoria - however, it rained today, so we didn't get the full effect. However, I think its pretty amazing!

This was at the cidery - where I learned so much! Did you know that cider is made from apples? And not normal apples, but cider apples? I did not. I have never been a fan of cider - well, normally - but I really liked this stuff...

And finally - this is from one of the local wineries....isn't it beautiful?

So - that was today - we're going to have dinner here in our hotel tonight and then probably relax. Tomorrow is our first whale watching tour - eeeeeeeeeee! I'm really excited, but also a little nervous on how cold I will be! Oh well, I'm sure those bright yellow slickers they make you wear will provide some warmth, right?

Hope everyone is having a great week - I miss you all!

New Town - New Room

2008-07-28T22:44:00.006-05:00

So....first off - let me just tell you - come to Victoria! It is BEAUTIFUL here! And has such a great feel to it - the people are so friendly, the city is clean, and apparently the weather is normally perfect. For me, its a little chilly - but apparenlty they're having freak winter weather. Which is nice for everyone else, but me, brilliant here only brought shorts and one pair of jeans. So this high of 65 crap isn't gonna cut it. I've worn the same sweatshirt hoodie (love my PPNT girls) and light jacket everyday - I may have to purchase a fleece in the next day or so. However, I'm not finding souvenier pants anywhere....someone should start selling those...they'd make a killing!

Anyways, I'm going to attach a few pics from the Space Needle in Seattle. We had dinner there last night and the view was spectacular. Its just like Reunion Tower where it rotates for a full view of the city...but this food was to die for. Seriously. One thing that I found interesting was that the menu I had didn't have prices on it...yet my dad's did. Apparently this is how it used to be - women never knew the price of the entree's so they would order what they wanted, versus what the cheapest item was. Well we all know I'm not one to do that anyways...but I thought it was interesting. It was good though that I didn't know the prices because I would have just gone with the house salad and water...and I still would have hit the $35 per person minimum. Afterwards though we went up to the observation deck where I really wish they would have warned me of the wind gusts and the effects they have on loose skirts...ooops! Guess I left my mark on Seattle!

So...now on to Canada - we took a ferry over to Victoria this morning...EARLY! Well early for me on vacation. So today - I am a sleepy girl. But it was fun and a different way to cross the border. So - anyways - our hotel is amazing!!! I know I've said this before, but it really is....my room has a kitchen in it - and its not even a suite! Which I'm quite thankful for - because lets face it, I'm an amazing cook and that is what I really want to do on my vacation. Its like all of my dreams are coming true. The view though is what is breathtaking. We're right on the harbor so we see boats and sea planes pulling in constantly - yes - you read that - sea planes. My dad went on one today - however, I did not - I opted to go to the historical gardens - which were so beautiful. This reminded me a lot of Melbourne - it was just so green and clean - and beautiful. AND - I went by myself, which kind of took me back to that trip as well - just being on your own being able to do what you want when you want - and meeting different types of people because you are alone. However, instead of meeting people, I decided to sit down and read and journal, well that last about 10 minutes, because sitting lead to just laying down for a second, which then led to me falling asleep. yes, I napped in a park in the middle of the Botchart Gardens....only me. But it was beautiful.

Tomorrow will be our wine tour - 5 1/2 hours of touring Canadian wineries....this is gonna be interesting!

Here is my room along with a few view shots:

Here are a few pics from my new favorite napping locale -

And finally - this is Bob. Bob likes to hang out on my balcony rail...we've become pretty close in the day I've been here....

Seattle - Day 2

2008-07-27T19:02:00.008-05:00

Yay! I've survived! Seattle really is great - and this has been a good day - but very exhausting!

First off - here is what I woke up too - this is my view from my balcony - LOVED IT!

Then I went and visited the downtown campus of Mars Hill Church and it was amazing! A very small, but 'cool' church. And you could just tell that they have a real community there. The worship was a little different, but the message was INCREDIBLE! Helped me keep things in perspective, especially on this trip - Here is a pic of the church - its great - there are homeless people literally sitting on the front steps - which meant my dad had to walk me to church this morning. Seriously, if he only knew the places I've been and how a few homeless people do not freak me out!

Then we spent the rest of the day taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island - where I felt a little like I was a part of Grey's Anatomy. For those who watch the show, there are always scenes of McDreamy and Addison on the ferry - so for a moment, I pretended that was the ferry they took - Yes, yes, I am dork, but really, is this new information? This pic is specifically for you Julie Green!

Then after the ferry rides to and from this little island, me and Dad ventured on back up to Pike Street to visit the very first Starbucks. Yes, I am that big of a tourist - and coffee drinker. It was crazy and there - and you think our Starbucks have long lines...this one was out of control! But they had it down to a a science and it only took me 15 minutes to get my latte. But it was so worth it!

So - for now - that has been my day. We're going to dinner at the Space Needle in about an hour - should be good. All I know is that the seafood in this town is amazing!

I'll blog more later! I really miss you all!

Seattle - Day 1

2008-07-26T18:51:00.003-05:00

So - I'm here! This is going to be such an adventure! Me and Dad...just me and Dad...oh Lord help me. I love him but am worried that we will kill each other after 8 days of being around only each other. Lord, help us both!

So - today has been great - i'm going on 1 hour of sleep, so I'm just impressed that I'm functioning. Seattle is great - its a little chillier than I had hoped, but I guess when Dallas is 100 degrees, 71 doesn't sound so bad. The sights have been beautiful - and I am in a freaking amazing room. I'm serious - the bathroom is to die for - and I have a flipping bear in my room - seriously. I'm posting pics so y'all can see what I'm experiencing....

This a view of the harbor and our hotel - and then me in front of our hotel...hey, I hate solo shots but I thought y'all might need proof that I'm here -

Ok - tomorrow is church at Mark Driscol's church - and then dinner at the space needle - I'll hopefully post more tomorrow!

Wish I had a friend to share this all with - Love you all!

Wow!

2008-07-10T11:28:00.007-05:00

So - it has been a crazy few weeks since my last post! Summer school is almost over (thank the Lord) and I survived beach camp! I truly love my girls. I had such a great family group - 5 8th (going into 9th) and 2 7th (going into 8th) graders. The girls have such sweet - and FUN spirits and its always so encouraging to be around them. I'll put some fun pics up so y'all can feel like you experienced a little bit of beach camp too! :-) I'm also throwin in some 4th of July pics - just cause I love my friends!

Here are my girls before we board the bus for a long 12 hour ride to Padre - but look how cute they are!

And here we are sportin the one pieces - who said they weren't hot?

My girls thought it would be fun to go gangster one night...I think we pull it off well...

And here are me, Rebekah and Corrie on the 4th - I'll post more later - but I just love these girls!

What a Weekend

2008-06-23T22:15:00.004-05:00

So - this weekend was anything but boring - actually - it was such visual display of God's beauty and hand in everything.

I was honored to be a part of Chavon and Casey's wedding on Friday and it was such a beautiful display of God's hand in orchestrating a true love story. I have been in awe of how He has worked in Chavon and Casey's life in bringing them together when either of them least expected it, and how they have loved and sharpened each other - and now they are married. Its been so neat to see it from the beginning. And Chavon made the most beautiful bride. Check on Lindsey's blog for pics - she is gorgeous!

Saturday continued the wedding weekend with Jessica and Michael Fordinal's wedding. Once again, this was a true display of how Christ's love is displayed in our relationships. I was at Six Flags with Jessica the night that Michael asked her out for the first time, and its been such an encouragement to see how he pursued her and how they have grown together. Jessica as well made a beautiful bride. Her pics are up on Lindsey's website -

The rest of Saturday evening was spent with some friends welcoming home Jeff from teh land down under. So crazy that he's back - and what's so crazy is how it just takes Jeff coming home for all the crazies to come out! ;-)

My weekend was also a great reminder for me of the amazing friends I have been blessed with. B-Ho spent the weekend with me and it was such a sweet time of laughter and encouragement - I miss her and and so blessed to have her as my friend. I also got to spent some QT with Summer and Lindsey which always brings a smile to my face. These girls are so wise and so flippin hilarious - I just love being around them.

Ok - that's it for now - I'm preparing to venture off to camp on Wednesday with the middle schoolers - pray for me - we're hitting Padre - yessss......once piece here I come!

My amazing B-Ho and me at Trinity Hall -

Love these girls

And my precious F - so glad she returned from China -

Until next time....

The Blow Out

2008-06-08T20:36:00.007-05:00

So - Saturday night was sooooooo much fun! I have the most amazing friends - seriously! I feel so blessed to have them in my life. Here are some random pics from the night... Enjoy! Oh fyi - there are some key people who are missing - they were there - but didn't make the pics - :-( But still so glad they were there!

Me & P Bleecker - oh - the IHOP memories

Love these girls heaps and heaps -

Ladies beware of Adam and Troy - 2 great guys!

Love my Rachael! :-)
And go Blalack Bears!
Random shot - literally
Such fun girls -
Me hating Adam for many reasons...

Maile & me -
Lori and me - such an amazing party planner -
mmmm...cake....
The sass -
Yes, this is my age - such talent these boys have -

Amazing girls -
Sarah gave me the best birthday goblet - :-)
Hills & me -
Andrea & me -

I truly feel so blessed to have these amazing friends. This is just a minor sampling of the group that was at the shin dig - Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so much fun. I truly love you all. :-)

30 - Flirty - And Thriving!

2008-06-07T17:44:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! Yes, I know, once again, bad blogger - but I'm here now, and really, that's all that matters. Yesssss!!!!!! And guess what....I'm about to turn 30! I know, I think its crazy too!

What's even more crazy is to think about what all has happend in a year. When I read back on my post from turning 29, its amazing to think about how I'm at such a different place. I'm truly excited about turning 30. There is no shame in it. I thought that this was going to be a depressing time for me, but you know, God has been so good and given me an excitement and peace about turning 30 and being single (yes, that means that Jonny is back on the market ladies...he's a great guy and any girl would be so lucky to be with him.) I am really so excited for this summer and this year....I feel like there are some big things that can happen - and I can't wait.

I have been blessed with some amazing friends, who bring joy and laughter into my every day and I love them for it. I've got some amazing middle schoolers - at church and at school who keep me young and remind me how fun it is to be a big dork (ok, they're not big dorks, but I am), and I've got an amazing God who is really holding me close right now and teaching me so much.

So tonight is the big blow out for #30 - and I'm thrilled to celebrate with my friends who have been such an integral part of my jouney so far. I'll post some pics hopefully this week so if you aren't able to make it - you can feel like you partook in some of the festivities.

I'll blog with y'all soon!

I'm back!

2008-04-28T20:25:00.003-05:00

So yes, I have been a bad blogger - but I have an excuse. I don't have internet in my apartment, and school blocks blogspot - so I've been on internet withdrawal...BUTTTT...I just discovered that there is free wireless internet at my pool, so guess where I'm sitting....yep - the pool - life is good. :-)

So, a lot has been going on in the past few weeks - school has been really good. I love my kids...and am so proud of them. We had our TAKS test in April, and my kids busted their little butts and most of them passed in the first round - so proud of them. I have really enjoyed some of the relationships that I've gotten to develop over these 2 years with them and its going to be really hard for me to watch them go to high school. But I'm hoping that they'll stay in touch. I really do feel so blessed to be doing what I'm doing - God is so good in guiding me here.

On a personal note, the social side of my life has been busy too - which is definitely fun - and I'm loving the friendships that are growing. Below is a pic of my sweet friend Lyn who is getting married to another dear friend Scott in June. I love this girl and am so excited for what married life is going to be for her -

Now here is an exciting part of my life - this is Jonny - or Joh as he likes to be introduced. I know him as Jonny though - so that's how I'll be referring to him. Jonny is my sweet boyfriend and I like him lots. He's so different than prior guys that I've dated...ahem...not a DB - ;-) I like him. And I think he's great. Hopefully you all will get to meet him soon - :-) He may not realize it, but he's been so good at showing me God's grace. I do feel so lucky. :-) And I think he's pretty cute.....

Hope

2008-03-25T20:27:00.003-05:00

First off - I want to apologize for the raw post below...I didn't mean to scare anyone, which apparently I did. It just felt really good to write that all out - not necessarily talk it out, but just get it out somehow. I realized after reading it later, how depressing it sounded. But, I'm not going to try and pretend to be someone or something I'm not. I was really sad...and did feel really alone. And I needed to. I need to be at that point where all I have is Him to depend on. And goodness...I fight it. But thank you to everyone for the encouraging words and texts and phone calls, and prayers... I know they helped. :-)

Easter was great - got some good times with the fam...especially my precious niece and nephew! Love them! I finally moved yesterday and LOVE my new apartment. I'll try and take some pics and put them up. I will have some pics from my trip to Nashville once I can find my camera cord in one of the boxes... I'm posting Easter pics, but those are thanks to my mom...

Anyways - I'll have more fun posts soon...sorry again for the super sad one below! I'll try and not let it happen again! :-)

Here is my beautiful sister, Heather & me

And I just LOVE little Sam!

And how precious is Emily????

And here is my sister and me with my mom... (no, Heather is not pregnant, its just the way the jacket is hitting)

Broken

2008-03-23T14:22:00.003-05:00

****disclaimer - this is me raw - uncensored - *******

For me - right now - I'm struggling. I'm broken and hurting and confused and straining to hang on to truth and Him. Actually, I'm just barely clinging on. This is a place I don't like to be. But I know I'm being brought here because I need to be here. To quote Lifehouse, 'I may have lost my way now, haven't forgotten my way home'.

So here I am - damaged at best - broken, hurting, confused, knowing that His hands are there to hold me, if I will just let Him. But so many parts of me are trying to walk away, swatting away His hand, saying, I don't need you - I don't need this. I'm sick of it all. I'm just tired. I'm alone. I'm confused. I'm just so tired.

What's funny is that at middle school church this morning, I was sweetly reminded that He is my hope. Everything that I think I want, I don't need. Regardless of my 'idealities' - they're nothing compared to what I have with Him and because of His ressurection. So why does my heart still hurt? Why do I feel so alone? And no, this isn't all about boys, its just about life and where I'm at. I walked in to my apartment yesterday and realized, once again, I'm alone...empty.

And...back to Lifehouse -
The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded, I'm an open book instead
I still see your reflection inside of my eyes
That are looking for a purpose, they're still looking for life

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
with a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain is there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm hangin' on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
And I'm handing on to the words you say
You said that I will be ok

So - I'm reminding myself, my hope is not about me, its about Him and what will bring Him glory. So, now I'm having to teach myself what I've been trying to teach my middle schoolers for so long - peace in Him and Him alone.

Weekend - oh the Weekend

2008-03-10T22:33:00.002-05:00

Well - I am just coming off a great weekend - a little exhausting, but hey - Spring Break is coming up...YEESSSSS!!!!!

So Friday night we celebrated one of my dearest friends, Hillary's birthday. A large group of us headed up to Pete's Piano Bar and celebrated the night away. Good times were had by all, with me especially having a great time. A little crazy, but so worth it! ;-)

Saturday I was able to celebrate the wedding of another very dear friend, Chavon. So you know how showers are oh so fun - well, this one really was! I mean, we made toilet paper brides, gave words of wisdom to Chavon and my favorite part was getting to spend some time with Summer. Now Summer and I have never been super close, however, I really am looking forward to having a better friendship with her. I think we have a lot in common and can have a lot of fun times in the future. I have become really close with her sister Kendall (who I also adore) but I really am excited to hopefully get to know Summer better!

Sunday was a fun day as well - should have been a day of rest, but hey - when you wake up and realize that you missed daylight savings and are now an hour short on sleep, its a quick revelation that your Sunday is not going to turn out how you expected. Butttt....it was great! Middle School church, brunch with Maddie, Hanna, and Julie, and then lunch in West Village with Jonny...really - just a great - and busy - day!

So - if I can make it through this week then I'll be freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Spring Break '08 here I come!!!

College

2008-02-17T21:28:00.004-06:00

Here are some of the most beautiful women that I got to grow with in college... I love them all dearly and am so grateful for them.

Basketball, 'Friending', and Girls Reunion - all around - GREAT weekend!

2008-02-10T21:58:00.000-06:00

So I have just come off a great - and interesting weekend...and I am so thankful for it.

First off - lets see - I was begged to join a co-ed basketball league about a month ago. I was honest with those involved...I do not know how to play basketball. Yes, I know, I have the height and I appear oh so athletic - but as most of us know, looks can be deceiving, and in this case, are. I am horrible! However, I was still convinced to sign up, and I think it was thought that I can't be as bad as I claimed.... Oh how they were wrong... I had my first game on Friday night, and we lost. I contributed nothing, except to be a girl on the court while one of the 2 girls who know how to play, could rest. Wait wait - I did touch the ball once, and I did successfully pass it to a male player on OUR team (yes!), but other than that...pitiful. So I am going to practice this week and am determined to be better at this week's game...however, I don't think its possible for me to be worse!

So friending - some of you ask, oh what is this word? Well, I think I'm quite bright and have come up with a term - 'friending'- that describes when a guy pursues a girl for a friendship, unknowingly to the girl. This is that awkward phase where as a girl you don't know whether the guy is calling you because he likes you, or if he is just going to turn around and use the friend card. This is really when I hate being a girl... Anyways, I don't think at this phase in our life, too many girls really want to be friended.... (just an fyi for you guys)

The best part of my weekend was getting to go down to a ranchhouse outside of Houston with some of my girlfriends from college. I haven't seen some of these girls in several years so it was so good to see them. However, I was a little nervous about going. So much has changed with all of us - most are married, most have 2 kids...its just different. But things were SO GOOD! It was just like being 'home'. So comfortable and so encouraging to be around these amazing women and to hear about how the Lord has and is working in their lives. I don't know what I was so scared to go - these girls are amazing and just bring such joy and smiles to my face. I have so missed them and am a little sad that I haven't kept in better touch. I still can't get over how stinking cute their kids are! I hope to get to meet them soon.

Ok - well there is my weekly update....I'm exhausted and need to get some sleep! Hope everyone is haveing a great week!

Ron Clark is my Hero

2008-02-03T16:46:00.000-06:00

Soooo...I just returned from one of the most amazing experiences of my life. First off, if you had asked me 5 years ago what one of my favorite experiences would be, I never would have thought it would be this visit... I never thought I could be so motivated by one man and his passion for kids. But tis true - this guy is amazing. And he loves his kids, and what he is doing - and you can tell that he is making a difference in these kids lives. I honestly am in awe.

So - back to the point of this blog. My friend Kendall and I were lucky enough to get to visit the Ron Clark Academy this past week. Who is Ron Clark you ask? Well...some of you may remember a little made for TV movie...The Ron Clark Story...

Or...you might have read his book (featured on Oprah)

But if you aren't familiar with either - he was teacher of the year in 2001 - and in my eyes - still is. He is one of those rare individuals who knows how to bring learning to life for kids who may not want to learn. He makes it fun. He makes it something that these kids, no matter what their background, love to do. He is silly and innovative and has a passion for what he does. And Kendall and I were able to watch this man in action. He took all the proceeds from his book and instead of buying himself a nice little house - he built a school in inner city Atlanta for underprivelaged kids - The Ron Clark Academy. At this school, Kendall and I met some of the most polite and respectful students who were so enthused to be in school. And I can't blame them. I sat in their math class and watched their teacher walk on their desks, sing and dance to current songs changed into math songs... I watched as they experienced learning in a hands on manner. In their language arts class, they learned what it is like to really use adjectives in many different manners... I watched as they 'bumped' their words in social studies. And most importantly, I watched how they encouraged each other to do the best they can.

If you haven't watched his story, I encourage you to. This man has really opened my eyes to the fact that I can make a difference in my kids lives. So thanks RC - in the 48 hours that I was there - I have fallen in love. (ha - that was a joke - and a referecnce to what he said to me in my autographed copy of his book - if only it was true).

Here are Kendall and I as we embark on our journey -

And here is Mr. Clark sporting the Blalack 'math nerds are cool' tshirt -

After we became 'slide certified'

And of course - our favorite picture - me making a fool of myself -

Stranger - till I hear your laughter! Crazy - cause you're all I'm after!

2008-01-16T20:42:00.000-06:00

So Hello there...how are you? Amazing...and its nice to finally meet you! I love Chris August!

And yes, I know, it has been way too long! Bad Hollie - I can't promise I'll never do it again - but I'll try!

So things are good - just a little crazy - but I love it that way! Makes me smile! I love that I never know what the heck is going to be thrown my way - but for right now - I'm just a little excited. :-)

Life is full of laughter and good friends - crazy memories - lots of funny stories - and just a peace. Yesssss!!!!

So - for this year - I've got a lot of things I'm hoping for - not necessarily resolutions, but more goals for the year - and here they go:

1. Quit being so selfish - lets face it, my world revolves around me. That needs to change. Yes, I can give you the 'right' answer of what I should be focusing on, but that would be just so that I would feel like you all would think I have it together. And really? We all know that that is so not the case! So baby steps - more like Christ - less like me. Serve serve serve. This world does not revolve around me. It revolves around the sun...and to really throw in the cliche - it revolves around the 'Son'. Yes, I just pulled from a lesson in Middle School church - YESSSS!!!

2. Stop dating DBs. Yes. To many of you, you know what this means. But its true. I've dated some great guys in the past, but there have been a few db's sprinkled in there. Yes yes, I know, I have not been perfect (I know I know - it was a tough realization for me too), but I feel over the past 4 months things have been revealed to me, and I'm not settling. Nor do I want someone to settle for me. Quality, not quantity Hollie. :-)

3. No more making out. Ok...that was more for shock value. How about, no more making out unless I'm in a committed relationship with someone. No casual date makeouts. Just because you buy me dinner does not me you can kiss me. This is going to take some serious self control. (And fyi - make out = kissing. Its just more fun to type making out)

4. Laugh often and laugh loud! Hopefully this will be the year of joy and laughter. I know tears can be good - but I prefer laughter.

Okay, that's me for now. I'll post a few pics from the 4 months I've been absent. Enjoy! Love you all!

.

Pretty Purple Ninja Turtles

2007-09-09T15:46:00.000-05:00

Oh - don't you wish you could be a pretty purple ninja turtle? Oh, but you can! Just come join me on Sunday mornings with the sweet middle school girls at The Village. So, we named our group and I don't think we could come have come up with a better name!

Pretty - let's face it - even though they're middle schoolers...they're still GORGEOUS!

Purple - the color of royalty - and we're all princesses...

Ninja - as Maddie says it - we're fighting for Jesus!

Turtles - we're just coming out of our shells!

So here are the beautiful turtles...

And then - here is my beautiful Julie. This girl is such a rock star and she is only in the 11th grade. She is a faithful servant at only age 16, coming every Sunday to minister to the pretty turtles! I am so lucky that I get to be a part of her life!

That don't kill me can only make me stronger...

2007-09-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, I just quoted a Kanye West song - horrible - but I just love that song. My kids got me stuck on it. The dork in me is trying to figure out how to turn it into a math song... Ha ha - don't you wish you were in my class - the thought of me attempting to 'rap' to a Kanye song makes me even laugh... If it happens I'll let y'all know.

Ok - nothin super exciting - just wanted to update a little more frequently since I promised...

Love you all!

I know I know - its been a long time...

2007-08-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

Yes - I am a horrible blogger - it has been WAY TOO LONG since my last post. And I can't really say that nothing has been happening, because if you know me, you know that is not the case.

We started school on Monday and I am so excited to be back. I really am! I have most of my same kids again and I just love them. Its been so fun to catch up and not have to worry about building that rapport with them. (Did I spell that right? Oh well - I teach math, not english!) Plus - its just exciting to see how much they've grown and changed in just 3 months. This is going to be such a fun year - I really can't wait!

In my personal life, the Lord is really teaching me a lot - what most recently has been revealed is that band aids only work for so long. And if I really don't deal with the bruise, or cut, or scrape, or amputation, or whatever, but just put a bandaid on it, then all I'm doing is seeting myself up for some serious infection. (Like my analogy there? I thought so!) I have got to heal. And finally, I can see that I need to. Which is such a weird place for me. I think for so long I've felt like I'm healed enough or that I need to act on the 'now' and not worry about what has happened in the past, but because of this I've developed so much scar tissue that I think I'm starting to not feel. (I'm continuing with the anaolgy...) And I don't want that. I never thought I would be skeptical or hard, but that's where I'm heading right now and I don't like it.

I really can't wait for this semester - I can't wait to spend some serious quality time with my girls...middle school and adult. I don't know if its the 'back to school high' (which there has been some interesting smoke from the boys bathroom) or just me seeing what I need to focus on now - but whatever it is I can't wait!

So that's it for now - I promise it won't be long before the next post! Here are some pics to hold you over -

My favorite new students -

Me & Shane before he left - so sad!

8 Random Facts

2007-08-05T20:24:00.001-05:00

I was tagged by my friend Lindsey B to give 8 random facts/habits about myself.

The Rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (**if you’re a non-blogger, you can email them!)
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

My eight random facts and/or habits:

1. I worked at Drug Emporium when I was in High School as a cashier. I hated it, yet loved it too - something about getting to handle all the money...

2. I used to have a huge thing for boy bands...and have met *NSYNC, BB Mak, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre (NKOTB), and the list goes on. Hey - don't judge - we had fun and I never did anything inappropriate to meet them.

3. I interend for 2 radio stations while in college and did voice commericals. Scary, I know.

4. When I was little I got a fake diamond stuck up my nose. Don't ask.

5. I'm deathly afraid of tornadoes. Blame it on Wizard of Oz - but I seriously am so scared of tornadoes.

6. I'm a dance extra in the Justin Timberlake video, 'Like I Love You'. Seriously, I'm in the video for 2 seconds...

7. If I could ask God for one talent it would be to be able to sing.

8. My favorite physical trait is a person's smile.

I tag Stephanie, Anne, Claire, Brooke...

Lesson #1 - People

2007-08-04T15:05:00.000-05:00

So - I've now been home for a week and I'm getting to see that the Lord is not going to let me forget what He showed me in Asia.

This week's lesson - People and how I am not supposed to depend on them.

They are not my rock. They are not my purpose for being here. They are not my joy. Of course they are a great source of community and joy - but they are not what I can depend on. And He definitely made sure I realized it. Its funny, I really felt like while in Asia we had a really good understanding that I look to people way too much for affirmation and community. When really, all I need is Him. I felt like I listened as He just showed me areas that I struggle with that. I told Him I surrendered all areas and He could take who He wanted out of my life. You know when you say that and you think, 'Ok, since I surrendered, He's not going to take anyone, like you're doing it so that you can say you did it, when in reality, you're still kinda holding on?'. (Yeah, you may think I'm rambling and I kind of am, but these are just my thoughts.) So yeah, the surrender was put to the test. And He's good - I mean really good. Definitely had a relationship taken out of my life which was not at all what I was expecting. I'm not a fan as to how it was handled, I mean, honestly it hurt. But what I am a fan of...is how He walked through it with me. How He is just let me know that He was in control. That He is there and He's going to help me see the truth - not the lies that I felt Satan just trying to feed... God is so good in that He just kept telling me, 'Hollie, I am all you need. Let me be enough.' And the cool thing - HE IS!!!

So these are my thoughts - sometimes random, somethings rambling, but still my thoughts. Lesson #1 was a good one.

Asia - Really??? Seriously????

2007-07-29T20:11:00.000-05:00

One word - flippin amazing!!!! Ok Ok - I know, that's two (I am a math teacher and can count) but seriously, the flippin just adds so much to it! ;)

This by far was one of the hardest trips I've ever been on, yet definitley one of the best. I was pushed and pulled in so many directions, yet the Lord was so great and revealed himself to me in some new way every day. He opened my eyes to how much I depend on me and other people to make it through the day - when really, all I need is Him. Yes I know, I should have been aware of this before, but honestly, this was the first time that I truly lived it. He is so good! I can't find the words to explain just what He showed me, but I will say, I am truly amazed at how great our God is.

Anyways - I met some amazing poeple on this trip. The Chinese students are so friendly and so eager to meet with Americans that they will do anything for you. We had some of the best tour guides because they wanted to show us their city and make sure we were taken care of. When you think about it, how many of us would take a complete stranger to some big Dallas tour attraction just because they were visiting our city and didn't know what all to do? Honestly, most of us wouldn't. But the Chinese are so hospitible and excited to have American friends, that they take such good care of you.

You know - I'm really afraid that I'm on the post trip 'high' and I don't want to lose it. I really have never felt as dependent on God as I did there, and now that I'm back and I'm back in the comforts of my own home, its hard to not just fall back into my old ways. But I can't - not this time. Our God is so big that He is moving all over a dirty, smelly lost country, so why can't I depend on Him when I'm in the comforts of my own home? All I know is that I love Him more than I ever have. Things aren't how I thought they would be when I got home. In a sense, I feel like its the enemy trying to distract me - but you know, as I said earlier, this trip taught me how to rely solely on the Lord, and that's what I'm going to do. :-)

I'm so glad to be back - I truly did miss all of my friends and just being here - but now I'm in a weird place - I miss Asia now too. I miss my friends there. So, I think I may be making a return trip next summer...anyone in?

My team on our first morning in front of the coffee shop -

Sweet girls that we met on our first day -

View from the City Wall

One of the cutest little Chinese boys that we ran into. Isn't he just so cute?!!

View from the City Center

Really & Jessica, Me & Liz in front of the Big Goose Pagoda - love these friends!

Liz & Me at Tang Paradise - its not overcast - its that smoggy!

Me & Joni at the Coffee Shop

SOme new friends heading to see the Big Goose Pagoda

Me & Kevin on the flight home -

Are You Serious?!!!

2007-07-13T15:14:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that in 2 days I will be boarding a jet plane on my way to Asia!!! Serioulsy - where has the time gone?!

I am feeling a gazillion emotions - excitement, fear, anxiety, joy, hesitation, you name it - I'm probably feeling it. I know that this is where the Lord is guiding me right now, I just don't feel as prepared as I need to be. I am emotionally & physically exhausted. Not bad emotionally - just feel drained in a sense. Over the past 6 weeks I have felt more emotions than I thought possible. I've got from the the pit to a hang glider - you know - where you feel like you're just floating and enjoying the view - I like that one - remind me to stay away from the pit - not a fan of those feelings.

ANYWAYS - if you think about it - pray for me over the next few weeks - its going to be such an adventure and I'm excited! God can do such great things, I just have to open my eyes and let go of me.

Ok - love you all - will miss you!

Here are fun photos to remember me by! :)

Me & Corrie so excited because we got free blankets! Doesn't take much to make us happy!

Me & sweet Shane. I'm going to miss him when he moves to NY!

Me & Josh - seriously girls - this guy is AMAZING! The girl that he ends up with is one of the luckiest girls - I'm so blessed to have him as a friend!

Hot Date Night with 2 of the studdliest middles schoolers - and coolest leaders, Amanda!

Me & Hanna - LOVE HER!

Maddie & I are so much alike we even use the same lip gloss!

Good girls go to Heaven, Bad Girls go to Cancun!!!! --Eddie (our tour guide in Cancun)

2007-07-03T09:32:00.000-05:00

So yeah, Eddie really doesn't know me and Melissa. But I will say - Cancun is a little piece of heaven - Not kidding - put me on a white sanded beach with turquoise water and I am in heaven!

Melissa and I had the best time...and the most relaxing. Nothing too crazy - I know I know, that doesn't sound like me at all, but this was the most relaxing vacation I think I've ever been on. Nothing like rolling out of bed and rolling on to a pool chair and laying in the sun. Loved it! Our typical day - set the alarm for 8 - read a little of the Word by the beach, roll onto a pool chair till about 12:30, then eat a little lunch, move to the beach from 1 - 4:30 - and then head on in to the room to relax (hey - it was an exhausting day). Dinner followed by a great nights reste in preparation for another rough day in the sun.

Here are some pics - now remember - when you travel with just 2 people, you end up taking a LOT of solo shots. No, Melissa and I are not models - we just take really good pictures. :)

Sweetly Broken....

2007-06-26T15:28:00.000-05:00

Hello all - so - I'm sitting here reflecting on the past 6 months, while listening to a new worship song I heard while at camp - Sweetly Broken -

'At the cross you beckoned me, draw me gently to my knees and I am so lost in words, lost in love, I'm sweetly broken, holy surrender'. Wow. Could a song be more fitting of the path the Lord has taken me on this year? How beautiful is our God? I think about the hurt and pain that I've felt, the laughter that I've had, the times that I truly have felt His presence and I am so thankful.

I am so undeserving of the love that the Lord has given me. As much as I think I've done certain things right, I haven't earned any of His grace.

So, now I sit here with such joy. A smile is on my face - regardless of how my summer ends up, I will praise Him. I will draw near to Him. I am thankful for Him breaking me, thankful for Him revealing little ways that He loves me, thankful for the encouragement He's given me through music and through friends. Just thankful to be one of His children.

Life without Jesus is like a donut...

2007-06-23T16:00:00.001-05:00

There's a hole in the middle of your heart!!! Ha - can you tell I just got back from Middle School Camp?

So - just got back from camp and it was AMAZING! Seriously, one of the best weeks of my life. There is just something about being in the outdoors and having the freedom to be as silly and goofy as you want - and having the opportunity to seek out and listen to the Lord. I know that life should always be like camp - it shouldn't take me being in the outdoors with middle schoolers to take the time to truly listen for Him. This just proved to me how much I let the 'noise' and 'static' of this world get in the way of truly knowing Him.

We had such a good time though - I love my girls - and now some of the guys! Just fun spirits! We played the best game which just created some really fun memories...its called Remember when - and lets just leave it at the fact - the memories you get from remember when are some of the best!

Here are some pics from such a fun week:

Turning 29...

2007-06-13T20:21:00.000-05:00

So - this has been a very interesting week. I'm not going to lie - turning 29 has not been easy. I mean, really, it sounds old. And old is the last thing I feel. I feel like at 29, you're supposed to have everything together - your life is supposed to be all figured out - and mine is the furthest thing from it. I still feel like I'm 25 - I may not look it, but I feel it.

So then I think about what all I've gotten to do in my twenties - how fun its been... I mean, I've lived in College Station, Houston, Newport Beach, Australia and now Dallas. And each one of these places has brought about so many adventures. I know that the Lord has orchestrated all of these moves, and He's been a part of all of these adventures, so I need to trust Him that He has me right here, right now for a reason.

But in the mean time, its been fun to dig through some of my fun memories...which I'm going to post some pics of - Enjoy!

Hitting the Bahamas with Angela

Steph & Me in LA - we've had so many adventures - LA, London, Australia and more to come!

Meeting the Olsen Twins at Dolce in LA (look front row center - and no, I'm not standing on a stair, they really are that short!)

Me on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -

Bells Beach in Australia

Trent & Brock on Christmas Day - My Aussie Christmas

Sailing the Whitsunday Islands

Diving The Great Barrier Reef

NYE in Australia - the girls and our 'Godfather' Boss

My sweet niece Emily right after she was born!

Sunset on The Great Barrier Reef

The girls heading out in Cairns

NYE 2005/2006 with Scott

I'm Back and Celebrating...well almost...

2007-06-07T22:37:00.000-05:00

So I'm back! And before I forget - here are pictures of Lindsey and her sweet husband Jason, and then a pic of me and Linds -

Like I said - they are amazing and I love them. Just spending time with them was such a blessing.

But I am so glad to be home. I missed my roommate! Seriously, I have the most amazing roommate in the entire world. I thank God constantly for the gift that she is to me. If you don't know Melissa, you're missing out. She is one of the sweetest most encouraging people I know. And I love getting to be real with her and struggle with her, and I'm so thankful that she's letting me be a part of her life. Here she is:

Isn't she so cute?!

I went to CR tonight - and I'm not sure if I'm quite celebrating yet - but I'm excited about being at a point where I am going to work through this crap that I apparently have buried way beneath the surface and keeps showing up when I really just don't want it to. Everyone keeps saying that this is going to be an amazing experience. But I'm a little scared. Wait - I take that back, I'm a lot scared. But if it means freedom, then I'm all about it.

So - another realization that keeps popping up - I'm about to be 29. Seriously...29?!!!! How the heck have I lived 29 years? Is it bad that I still feel like I'm 22? Honestly - I do not fit in my age bracket. I'm sure I'll do more reflecting on my '29-ness' over the next couple of days - so expect a blog out of that one...

Ok - for now - goodnight my loves. Thanks for reading...sorry if its boring! Sleep well.

I'm blogging and I'm in Austin!

2007-06-06T11:17:00.000-05:00

I never thought I would be a blogger! Seriously, I have nothing to say! But in reality, I tried a few days on myspace, and it is actually quite freeing! So - I think I'm going to do this thing - Shall be fun - hopefully!

So I am in Austin right now and it is beautiful. So good to be here and visiting my old roommate from Houston and her husband. Lindsey and Jason are so fun - and such a beautiful example of what a Godly marriage looks like. It always encourages me to be around them.

They're in the process of selling their house and yesterday, they had someone coming to look at it for the second time to possibly put a contract on it. So we all got put to work - and my duty - yardwork. Ha ha ha! If you really know me, you'll find this humorous too - I do not do yardwork. No green thumb here. And my specific duty - pulling weeds. How fitting for my life at the moment. This was so flipping frustrating. They never wanted to come out from the root. I would pull them and just the top would come off - and I had been instructed to get the root - since they will always come back....interesting. Big surprise, but I'm not a fan of pulling weeds...my hands got dirty and I didn't look too good when I was done.

So yeah - I doubt anyone will read this - but like I said - its pretty freeing. I like it. :)